In August, vegetables and dairy products led to monthly price increases between foods, according to various private measures.
For consulting firm LCG, which measures around 8,000 prices in five supermarkets on a weekly basis, these staples in the basket have had double-digit monthly increases: 13% in the case of vegetables and 11.8% in the category that includes dairy products and eggs.
In this way, both categories have raised the price of food, which is on average 2.66% in the first week of September (accelerated by 0.84 points compared to the previous week). The monthly change in the index was thus achieved 6.8% on average in the last 4 weeks and 8.3% point-to-point over the same period.
Even through the first week of this month, the Eco Go consultancy noted an average increase of 3.6% of food and drink respondents, a figure that incorporates a drag of 3% since August.
According to this survey, the monthly price changes in vegetables reached 6.9% (led by a 4.1% increase in potatoes) and dairy products and eggs reached 3.1%.
In particular, the latter category grew by 1.7% in the first week of September, driven by the eggs that have increased by 10%. According to Eco Go, these have seen strong increases throughout the year “due to both rising costs and increased demand”.
Other items, such as products baked goods, pasta and cereals rise by 4.5% and meat (substantially due to the increase in chicken and cured meats) had an increase of 3%. Beef, at historic lows in consumption, is driving prices down, analysts warn.
From LCG they pointed out that “it is the fourth consecutive month with records above 2% weekly in the first week of the month. Thus, the monthly food inflation reaches 6.8% on average in the last 4 weeksand reflect an acceleration.
“In particular, in the first week of September, there was an increase in the percentage of products with an increase, as this went from 21% to 25%,” says the consulting firm’s latest report.
And he thought about it: “There are already 10 weeks with a value above 20%. This means that all the products in the cart would register a price increase in just over a month “he concluded.
Food and beverages have an important weight in the general inflation index (CPI): estimated between 25% and 30%. The next official figure will be August inflation which INDEC will release in the middle of this month. For most consultants, the number will be around 6.5%.
In the case of LCG, which manages that number, the estimate is based on an average monthly food and beverage inflation of 6.3%, which would contribute to 1.8 inflation points over the month.
But in addition to the evolution of food, there are other increases authorized last month: some regulated services (40% in buses and trains in AMBA and 11.34% in prepaid, for example).
In addition, the $ 134,000 bonus for building managers ($ 12,000 in August) has begun to be paid, which will result in an increase in expenses of approximately 6%.
These problems would add about two additional points to core inflation. “The rest, he contributes an inertia that remains high”, Concluded the consultant.
NEITHER
Natalia Muscatelli
Source: Clarin
