The general level of the Construction Cost Index (ICC) in the Greater Buenos Aires area registered an increase of 1.6% in October compared to the previous month, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC). Information accessed by the Argentine News Agency shows that this result is a consequence of the increases in the 'Materials' (2.1%), 'Labor' (1.3%), and 'General Expenses' (1.6%) categories. In the year-on-year measurement, the figure rises to 29.9%, with an accumulated total for the year so far of 18.4%. The 'Labor' category incorporates the collective bargaining agreement of the Workers' Union of the Construction of the Argentine Republic (UOCRA), applicable to the labor categories provided for in Collective Labor Agreement 76/75 from October 2025, added to a non-remunerative and extraordinary allowance. The cost of construction rose 1.6% in October and slowed down compared to September. The increase in labor categories also impacts the 'General Expenses' chapter, as it contains the 'Night Watchman' item, which is framed within the resolution. 'General Expenses' incorporates the new tariff values that the National Electricity Regulatory Entity (ENRE) approved for electricity rates for distributors Edenor and Edesur as of October 1, within the framework of the comprehensive tariff revisions of both companies. It also includes an authorized update by the Ministry of Economy's Public Works Secretariat on the values for water and sewer consumption and connections. Furthermore, it includes an update authorized by the regulatory entity Enargas on the values for all concepts of the gas connection, as detailed by INDEC. Monthly variation by work item: Glass: 4%. Wood carpentry: 3.2%. Electrical installation: 2.9%. Metal carpentry and blacksmithing: 2.7%. Gas installation: 2.6%. Earth movement: 1.8%. Painting: 1.8%. Other works and expenses: 1.6%. Sanitary and fire-fighting installation: 1.5%. Plasterwork: 1.4 Masonry: 1.3%. Structure: 1.3%.
