Venezuela’s basic food basket cost climbs 5.7% in May as wages stay frozen

A report from the Venezuelan teachers’ federation shows the minimum food basket for a family of five cost $772.74 in May, a 5.7% rise from April’s $730.59. The official minimum wage remains at 130 bolívares (about $0.21), covering only 0.03% of that basket. Inflation slowed to 6.3% in May, the lowest level in 19 months, but wages have not kept pace.

Health expenses are similarly out of reach. A routine laboratory “profile 20” in Carabobo costs $35‑85, equivalent to 167‑405 times the minimum wage and 14.6‑35.4% of the typical monthly income that includes $240 of bonuses. Adding specialist consultations, electrocardiograms or thyroid tests can consume 83‑144% of that income, forcing families to choose between food and medical care. The situation reflects broader economic hardship across Venezuela.