The Directorate of Statistics of the City of Buenos Aires reported that the consumer price index experienced a variation of 3.1% during January, showing a moderate deceleration compared to the 3.3% in December. This metropolitan data has sparked interest ahead of the upcoming publication of national figures by INDEC, scheduled for February 13.
Regarding the presented data, annual inflation stood at 100.6%, with a reduction of 36.7 percentage points. The government target for the national index is close to 2%. The sectors most affected were the Gastronomy and Hotel sectors, with a monthly increase of 6% and an incidence of 0.67 percentage points. Key factors include tariff adjustments in tourist accommodations and increases in gastronomic establishments.
In the Housing Services sector, a 3.1% increase was recorded, with an impact of 0.60 percentage points. Rent value updates, increases in expenses, and adjustments in maintenance services were the highlighted components. Other significant categories included Transportation, with a 3.9% variation and an incidence of 0.42 points due to air fare increases; Recreational Activities, with a 7.7% increase and an impact of 0.40 points from adjustments in tourist packages; and Food and Beverages, with a 1.9% increase and 0.35 points of incidence. Notable increases were seen in meats, fruits, dairy products, eggs, and baked goods.
The specialists consulted by TNA suggest that these numbers in the city of Buenos Aires could indicate that the national index may exceed the official projections of 2%, raising concerns within the government's economic team.
