Cheeky supermarkets

SEVERAL supermarket chains in Mallorca have come under fire for putting up prices of basic products instead of reducing the IVA (VAT) following the Spanish government’s drive to combat inflation.

The regional Govern executive analysed the cost of 60 products before and after the introduction of the measure in January, and found that in some cases prices had gone up instead of down.

Furthermore, the inspectors found that many foodstuffs classed as basic by the national government had the same price as before the tax cut.

Spokespeople for the Consum department of the Govern admitted that it was impossible to monitor all the products on sale at every supermarket, and therefore had to rely on the figures provided by the companies.

The tax exemption for milk, for example, does not apply to products that contain any additives beyond the basic ingredient, or to vegetable alternatives such as soya or oatmeal.

Another explanation offered by shop owners is that many of the products analysed by the inspectors were on special offer before January 1, and since then they have returned to their normal price.

A day at the flicks

TWO Oscar­nominated films are showing at Palma cinemas in English this weekend.

The Aficine theatres this Friday offer screenings of Ant­Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Women Talking, The Fabelman, The Whale and Triangle of Sadness.

Women Talking, showing at the Rivoli theatre at Calle d'Antoni Marques, 25 every day at 3.30pm, is nominated for two Oscars ­ Best Screenplay and Best Film ­ and stars Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley and Claire Foy.

Also showing at Rivoli is The Fabelman at 3.30pm daily and The Whale at 9.10pm on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Ocimax at Calle Bisbe Pere Puigdorfila, 1 shows Ant­Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the latest Marvel Comics extravaganza featuring Hope Pym and Scott Lang.

The film will be screened daily at 3.30pm and 6.05pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 12.05pm.

Augusta cinema ­ Av. del Gran i General Consell, 2 ­ is screening Triangle of Sadness, nominated for three Oscars for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Director. Screenings take place every day 6.30pm (except Monday).

Films run until Thursday, March 2.