Rising food prices strain families in Mexico’s Morelos and Peru’s Arequipa

In the Mexican state of Morelos, the monthly cost of a basic food basket for a family of four is projected to rise above 10,000 pesos by the second half of 2026, driven by higher prices for staples such as tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. Specialists warn that inflationary pressures could force households to allocate a larger share of their budgets to food.

In Arequipa, Peru, the price of large rocoto peppers at the Nueva Esperanza market has doubled to S/12 per kilogram, while corn has climbed to S/4 per kilogram and chicken to around S/10 per kilogram. These hikes add to the expense of daily groceries for local families, even as most other staple items remain relatively stable.