Argentina Inflation Rate Eases in May

Argentina's consumer price index rose 2.1% month-over-month in May 2026, easing from a 2.6% increase in April and coming slightly below market expectations of 2.3%. Seasonal prices posted the largest gain, rising 3.5%, driven by higher vegetable prices despite a decline in fruit prices. Regulated prices increased 2.4%, reflecting higher fuel, electricity, and water costs, while core inflation rose 1.9%, supported by increases in restaurant and catering services and pharmaceutical products. Among major categories, communication recorded the strongest increase, up 3.4% due to higher telephone service charges, followed by education, which advanced 2.9%. The smallest increases were seen in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.8%) and clothing and footwear (0.3%). Year-to-date inflation reached 14.7%.

Consumer prices in Argentina rose 2.6% month-over-month in April 2026, easing from 3.4% in March and remaining close to forecasts of 2.5%. Regulated prices posted the largest increase, rising 4.7% amid higher transportation and electricity costs. Core CPI advanced 2.3%, supported by increases in housing rents and related expenses, as well as restaurant and dining prices. Seasonal prices were unchanged, as higher clothing prices linked to the seasonal transition were offset by declines in tourism and fruit prices. Among major categories, transport recorded the strongest monthly increase, rising 4.4% due to higher fuel prices, followed by education with a 4.2% gain. Food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.5%) and recreation and culture (1.0%) posted the smallest increases. Year-to-date inflation reached 12.3%.

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%.