Inflation in Buenos Aires has accelerated for the fifth consecutive month, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) hitting 3.1% in January 2026, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from December's figure of 2.7%. This rise is attributed to hikes in utility tariffs and other services, alongside a significant adjustment in seasonal prices, which rose by 5.8%. Notably, the core inflation rate saw a decline, settling at 2.2%.

The timing of this inflation report comes amid controversy surrounding the Argentine government's decision to suspend updates to the methodology used by Indec, the national statistical agency, for measuring inflation. The planned changes were based on the latest household expenditure survey, which has led to skepticism regarding the reliability of the reported statistics. The controversy resulted in the resignation of Indec's president, Marco Lavagna, highlighting ongoing tensions over economic data transparency.

As economic pressures continue to mount, the upcoming publication of adjusted inflation data by Indec on Tuesday will be closely watched by economists and policymakers alike. The situation raises broader questions about the effectiveness of current fiscal measures and the overall economic landscape in Argentina, particularly as citizens grapple with rising costs.