Argentina's CPI Accelerates in March

Consumer prices in Argentina rose 3.4% month-on-month in March 2026, up from 2.9% in February, and above forecasts of 3%. Regulated prices led gains at 5.1% on adjustments to utilities, transport, and education tariffs, followed by core inflation at 3.2% and seasonal prices at 1.0%, with tourism and clothing seasonal changes offsetting declines in vegetable and fruit prices. Education posted the largest divisional increase at 12.1%, coinciding with the start of the school year, while transport rose 4.1% driven by fuel, public transport, and airfare increases. Food and non-alcoholic beverages had the largest regional impact, particularly meat and derivatives up 6.9% in the Greater Buenos Aires area. Miscellaneous goods and services posted the smallest gains at 1.7%, followed by home equipment and maintenance at 1.3%. Year-to-date inflation reached 9.4%.

Consumer prices in Argentina rose 2.9% month-on-month in February 2026, following a 2.9% increase in January and above expectations of 2.7%. Prices accelerated for recreation and culture (2.3% vs. 1.0% in January), but slowed for restaurants and hotels (3.0% vs. 4.1%), while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels accelerated (6.8% vs. 3.0%) and communication eased (1.8% vs. 3.6%). Prices rose more quickly for transportation (2.0% vs. 1.8%), and clothing and footwear turned flat (0.0% vs. -0.5%). Alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose less sharply (0.6% vs. 1.5%), and home equipment and maintenance accelerated (2.6% vs. 1.8%). Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices slowed to 3.3% (vs. 4.7% in January). On a year-on-year basis, consumer prices climbed 33.1% in February, up from 32.4% in January, continuing the modest pickup in inflation after the disinflationary trend earlier in 2024.

Consumer prices in Argentina rose 2.9% month-on-month in January 2026, following a 2.8% increase in December and above expectations of 2.5%. Prices slowed for recreation and culture (1.0% vs. 2.5% in December), but accelerated for restaurants and hotels (4.1% vs. 3.2%), while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels eased (3.0% vs. 3.4%) and communication picked up (3.6% vs. 3.3%). Prices rose more slowly for transportation (1.8% vs. 4.0%), and clothing and footwear turned negative (-0.5% vs. 1.1%). Alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose less sharply (1.5% vs. 2.8%), and home equipment and maintenance moderated (1.8% vs. 2.0%). Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices accelerated to 4.7% (vs. 3.1% in December). On a year-on-year basis, consumer prices climbed 32.4% in January, up from 31.5% in December, continuing the modest pickup in inflation after the disinflationary trend earlier in 2024.