Argentina's May 2026 inflation slows to 2.1% as CPI decelerates

The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) reported that consumer price inflation in May 2026 was 2.1% month‑on‑month, a 0.5‑point slowdown from April. Year‑over‑year inflation stood at 33.2% and the index had risen 14.7% in the first five months of the year. Core inflation (IPC núcleo) fell to 1.9%, the lowest level in eight months.

The largest sectoral gains were in Communication (+3.4%) and Education (+2.9%). The smallest were in Clothing and Footwear (+0.3%) and Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (+0.8%). Seasonal items rose 3.5%, driven mainly by vegetables, while regulated prices increased 2.4%.

Alongside the price data, INDEC released the latest basic‑basket figures. The total basic basket (CBT) grew 2% and the basic food basket (CBA) 2.4% in May. Consequently, a four‑person household now needs 1,498,741 pesos to remain above the poverty line and 681,246 pesos to avoid indigence. Government officials hailed the low inflation number, and the economy minister pointed to the continuing disinflation trend.