The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) released the construction index for February, which year-on-year grew compared to its January 2026 figure. According to what Argentine News Agency (NA) learned, INDEC announced the cost of construction through its X account, stating: 'The cost of construction rose 1.9% in February 2026 compared to January and 24.5% year-on-year'. In its report, INDEC states that 'the general level of the Construction Cost Index (ICC) for the Greater Buenos Aires area for February 2026 records an increase of 1.9% compared to the previous month'. It further adds that 'this result is due to the increases of 1.5% in the 'Materials' chapter, 1.6% in 'Labor', and 4.4% in 'General Expenses'. And in this sense, it explains the following: 'The 'Labor' chapter reflects the collective bargaining agreement of the Argentine Construction Workers' Union (UOCRA), dated January 12, 2026, homologated by Resolution DI-2026-76-APN-DNRYRT#MCH on January 15, 2026, applicable to the labor categories provided for in Collective Bargaining Agreement 76/75 from February 2026, and a non-remunerative and extraordinary bonus arising from said resolution. Likewise, the increase in labor categories impacts the 'General Expenses' chapter, as this contains the 'Night Watchman' item, which is framed within said resolution'. It also states that: 'The 'General Expenses' chapter incorporates the new tariff rates that the National Electricity Regulatory Entity (ENRE) approved for electricity tariffs for distributors Edenor and Edesur starting in February, within the framework of the comprehensive tariff reviews of both companies'.
