Campo Grande began 2026 witnessing a notable rise in the cost of the basic basket, which is crucial for assessing the living standards of workers in Brazil. As reported by the Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies (Dieese), the basic basket in the capital reached R$ 783.41 in January, reflecting a 0.97% increase from December 2025. This surge positions Campo Grande as the sixth highest city among the surveyed capitals, indicating significant economic pressures on households due to rising food prices.

A deeper analysis reveals that the primary contributor to this increase is the price of tomatoes, which soared by 40.7% between December and January. While the overall monthly inflation rate of the basket is concerning, it's highlighted that only three out of the thirteen items included in the basket experienced price hikes, with butter and potatoes contributing modestly to the increase at 1.42% and 0.49%, respectively. This sharp increase in tomato prices stands out against a backdrop where most other staple items, such as milk, soybean oil, and rice, saw price declines, reflecting a mixed but ultimately challenging economic landscape for consumers.

The year-on-year comparison indicates that Campo Grande experienced the second-largest accumulated increase in the basic basket compared to January of the previous year, with a 2.51% rise. This data not only underscores the inflationary pressures faced by families but also speaks to broader economic conditions affecting the region. Such information is vital for policymakers, as it may prompt interventions to stabilize food prices and alleviate the economic burden on the workforce.