Inflation picks up in the first half of the month, but core inflation is breathing

A breather for core inflation

The underlying price index -considered a better parameter for eliminating the most volatile prices- registered an increase of 0.57% at a fortnightly rate and 8.35% at an annual rate, in the first half of December. These results were also above the 8.32% expected by analysts, although below the 8.51% registered in the second half of November.

Within the underlying index, the prices of merchandise grew 0.62% and those of services, 0.51% at a biweekly rate.

Energy causes decline in non-core inflation

For its part, in the same period, the non-core price index decreased 0.14% at a fortnightly rate and rose 6.08% at an annual rate.

Within the non-core index and at a fortnightly rate, the prices of agricultural products increased 0.34% and those of energy and tariffs authorized by the government fell 0.54 percent.

In fact, among the products that fell the most in price are LP gas, with a fortnightly reduction of 3.08%, and low-octane gasoline, with a decrease of 0.44% in its price.

fly air transport

Among the products that rose the most in price are air transport, with an increase of 19.61% fortnightly and package tourist services, with 12.71% fortnightly. This could be due to seasonal factors such as the December holidays. The foreign bus, for example, also raised its prices by 2.01%.

Other products with significant increases are Serrano peppers, tomatoes, soft drinks, and restaurants and snack bars.