Mexico's basic food basket price rises 0.5% as potato costs jump

The National Alliance of Small Merchants (ANPEC) reported that Mexico's average price for the basic food basket (CBA) increased to 2,132.66 pesos, a 0.52% rise from the previous month. The most significant surge was in potatoes, which climbed 14.86% from 43.13 to 49.53 pesos. Other notable price increases included oranges (8.04%), avocados (6.17%), whole chicken (6.01%) and toothpaste (4.86%).

ANPEC highlighted that 15 million Mexican households allocate up to 90% of their income to food and basic services, describing the situation as an “economy of war.” Despite a reported overall inflation rate of 3.94% and a recent reduction in the Bank of Mexico’s policy rate from 6.75% to 6.50%, many analysts warn that inflationary pressures remain unresolved for consumers.

The report also identified the states with the greatest CBA price variations, led by Chiapas (6.99%) and Puebla (4.76%). ANPEC president Cuauhtémoc Rivera emphasized the disparity between macro‑economic indicators and the daily purchasing power of the population.