Despite controlling inflation, food is still going through the roof

Inflation remains contained since June, at 1.1%, as measures such as subsidies for most fuels continue to be implemented, however, The population continues to suffer due to the increase in food and basic necessities.

According to the latest publication of the State Institute for Statistics and Population Census, in June, a -0.4% drop in fuel costs for cars was recorded compared to Maywhile compared to June 2022, the drop was -35.1%.

Moreover, expenditure on food and alcoholic beverages increased month-on-month by 0.2%.and 3.4% between last year and today.

When we go into details, significant increases are recorded in the food line on an annual basis, such as that of cream and flourwhich was 9.7 percent pasta (9.4%), sausages (7.9%) i cheeses and eggs (6.3%).

Other increases felt by the consumer were in butter and margarinewith 23%, the tubers (27.9%), sugar (6.8%), ice creams (6.5%), sauces and mayonnaise (7.3%), caldo and soups (6.6%) i snacks and food supplements (8.7%).

The accessories and food for pets also experienced an increase of 6.6% compared to June 2022, while home repair services increased by 11.7% in the same period.

The main increase in June was recorded Car insurancewhich compared to May increased by 6.8%, and measured from 2022 by 22.5%, undoubtedly caused by the increase in interest rates.

On the other hand, there was a drop in prices fish of -2.9% and came with -5%.

This year, The main increase in consumption by Panamanians was electricityrecalculated on an interannual level by more than 40%, due to the abolition of the subsidy established by the Government in the conditions of the health crisis.

Although the subsidy is for 95 octane gasolinewhich drivers benefited most from the price freeze, the impact was not significant, as it remained for 91 octane gasoline and diesel.