In January, the cost of the basic food basket (CBA) and the total basic basket (CBT) in Argentina rose higher than the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the fourth consecutive month. The CBA, which defines the poverty line, increased by 5.8% while the CBT rose by 3.9%, compared to a 2.9% monthly rise in the CPI. These increases are significant as they reflect the increasing economic strain on families, particularly for those who are already struggling to meet their basic needs.

For a typical family of four in Greater Buenos Aires, the minimum monthly income required to avoid poverty has now exceeded 1.36 million Argentine pesos. This threshold, set at $201,939 for an adult equivalent in January, highlights the growing disparity within the population, with many families unable to keep up with the rising costs of essential goods. The continued rise in poverty and indigence baskets indicates that the economic situation is deteriorating for a considerable portion of the Argentine population.

The situation raises concerns about the implications for social policy in Argentina, as rising poverty levels can lead to increased social unrest and demand for government intervention. Policymakers may need to address these alarming trends by considering adjustments to welfare programs and exploring strategies to combat inflation to ease the burden on citizens. Without action, more families may find themselves falling into poverty, creating a cycle that could be difficult to break.