Inflation: Rates rose 35.6% in April as price slowdown eases

General inflation slowed again in April (it was 8.8% compared to 11% in March), but it might have been much lower had it not been for the impact of the rate hike. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC), the category of “housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels”, where all public services are included, recorded a strong growth of 35.6% in the fourth month of the year.

Taking into account the authorized adjustments to electricity, gas and water rates in the fourth month of the year, the result is surprising, but not surprising. In the first case, the national government authorized an increase of between 177% and 183% depending on the category of users – edenor And addesurCompanies that provide services Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA),

Regarding gas, the nation allowed price increases in two of the three components of the rate: transportation and distribution. According to Energy Ministry data, the changes mean that a low-income user (level 2 of the tariff split) who consumes an average of 100 m3 of gas per month will pay an average bill of $15,830, representing an increase. Does. 214% compared to what they had paid before April.

Meanwhile, the rates for drinking water and sewage services provided by Water and Sanitation Argentina (AySA) In AMBA he registered a growth of more than 200%.

Three other items finished above the general CPI. is one of them “Communications”In which a growth of 14.2% was recorded due to growth in telephony and internet.

items of “Clothing and Shoes”, with an increase of 9.6% compared to March; and that of “Health”In which an increase of 9.1% was recorded compared to the previous month.

Just as the four commodities mentioned so far grew above the normal 8.8%, there were also eight commodities which had below average, moderate growth. These are the items of “Education” (8.6%), “Restaurant and Hotel” (7.3%), “Entertainment and Culture” (7.1%), “Home Appliances and Maintenance” (6.5%), “transportation” (6.3%), “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages” (6%), “Miscellaneous Goods and Services” (5.7%) and “Alcoholic beverages and tobacco” (5.5%).

Amidst all this, the food and beverages category stands out prominently. This is an item that generally leads growth and moves the CPI upward. It has the greatest impact on the household budget and also has the most importance in measuring inflation.

In this case, not only did food items increase below average, but there were also some products whose prices fell compared to the previous month. According to data published by Indec, the food items that have fallen in price include ground coffee of 500 grams (-0.4%), cooked ham (-1.8%), soaked dried peas (-2, 3%), sugar Contains one kg package. (-2.6%), can of whole canned tomatoes (-5.5%), banana (-16.5%) and lettuce (-26.6%), others.

However, there were also foods that were well above average. This is the case of round tomatoes, which increased by 72.7%, cream cheese (16.5%), butter (12.5%), Sardinian cheese (12.1%) and oranges (10.9%), to name some examples. In any case, it should be kept in mind that fruits and vegetables tend to change a lot (up or down) in a short period of time due to seasonal issues, so changes in the price of those particular products cannot be made specifically. . With the progress of CPI.