Uncertainty with the blue dollar hits the shelves and observations accelerate

The pace of observations accompanies the rise of the blue dollar. Chains, supermarkets, shops and kiosks guarantee this They are receiving lists in increments of up to 35% in the last two weeks e deliveries of specific products are rationedlike oil and sugar. Sources make it clear that there is no shortage, but they admit there is a lack of variety of brands in some categories.

The problem is widespread and affects durable goods (cars, motorcycles and household appliances) and mass consumption. “In these 15 days, the cost of sugar jumped from 107 to 170 pesos and they put a limit of two packages per person, “said Fernando Savore, head of the Buenos Aires Chamber of Grocers. Something similar happens with oil.”There is coffee and stationery, but in 35% increases“added the manager.

Blue was trading at $ 291.00 on Monday and closed at $ 337 on Thursday: increased by $ 46 in just four days. Added to this are restrictions on the entry of goods from abroad, which complicates items dependent on imported inputs. From an arsenal of motorcycles they complain: “For 10 days they have not approved anything and today the plant is running on available stock “. On average, units have increased by an average of 15% and”some brands have established quotas for deliveries“.

Savore points out that, consequently, the warehouses record sales drops between 30 and 35%, which reflects the loss of purchasing power of income. In large chains they recognize that they receive new lists “almost every day” from their various suppliers. And that the biggest problem lies with the stationery: toilet paper, kitchen towels, disposable napkins and handkerchiefs. “In the last week they have increased between 15 and 20%“confirmed the source.

Newsstands describe a similar picture. Ernesto Acuña, from UKRA – one of the sector chambers – stresses that observations are on the agenda, especially in the case of directly imported products. “Batteries, for example, were up 17% earlier this month, and this week they were up another 17%.“, exemplified the manager. The same happens with razor blades and some condoms. This Monday, “cigarettes increased by 10%“He said as an example.

Uncertainty about the price of the blue dollar has a total impact on expectations. Manufacturers, suppliers and wholesalers keep the goods for which they do not know the replacement cost. The most extreme cases are totally imported products or those made with components purchased abroad.

The restrictions mainly concern the automotive industry and Fuegian electronics, obliged to take credits at 180 days finance their imports on their own, which makes their operations more expensive. “We are looking at some price adjustments in the coming days, but for now we are not limiting the delivery of goods,” acknowledged a terminal executive.

Víctor Palpacelli, president of FASA (Argentine Federation of Supermarkets, the chamber that groups interior chains) comments that prices has increased by an average of 10% over the past 15 days. And while he points out that “there are no shortcomings” he acknowledges that “there are stock outs in some categories“. Palpacelli agrees on” the deepening of the stationery problem “and that in some cases the delivery of orders has been cut or reduced” or the conditions of sale have been modified “.

The crisis hits a population overwhelmed by volatility and price uncertainty. According to the study “Social mood” from the advice of Fernando Moiguer, 75% of Argentines said that “in the last month they have had to significantly cut their expenses compared to their usual budget“The survey was developed exclusively for Clarione and interviewed 1,100 people from all socioeconomic levels.

The main conclusions indicate that “65% have changed the way they buy household products, 42% have stopped buying normal products such as meat or soft drinks, 39% have stopped eating out, 21% have stopped to pay some taxes / bills / services and 15% left the gym / club / course, 12% sold the motorcycle / car, 10% stopped paying pending taxes, 9% left the rent and went to live in a cheaper place / or with a relative / friend.