AMBA public utility costs rise 54% annually

Public utility and transportation costs in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) rose by 54% year-on-year, significantly outpacing the general inflation rate of 34%, according to a report by the IIEP Observatory (UBA-Conicet).

In August, a typical household required approximately $289,622 to cover electricity, gas, water, and public transportation. While this represents a 2.1% monthly decrease from July—driven by lower seasonal demand for gas and electricity following the winter peak—the annual trend remains high.

Public transportation emerged as the most significant expense, accounting for 43% of the total budget at an average of $123,726 per month. This sector saw a year-on-year increase of 69%. Other costs included electricity at $61,308, natural gas at $61,613, and potable water at $42,975.