Economy
The prices of essential food items that are subsidized by the government and distributed through state-run Mercal retail network have been gradually adjusted upward. However, their prices are 40 percent below regulated prices in the rest of the market.

These products, which remained unchanged for six years, had significant upward adjustments that not only hit the purchasing power of consumers but also pushed up the inflation rate. On average, the prices of 14 essential food items were increased by 81.7 percent from May to date.

The most important adjustments include: chicken, which still remains 40 percent below the price set by the government but has increased by 164.7 percent; pasta increased 78.18 percent; bologna rose by 168.4 percent, precooked corn flour (39.32 percent), high quality meat (61.71 percent), powdered milk (67.87 percent).

The prices of other basic foodstuffs were also adjusted upward. Margarine increased by 26.92 percent, lentils (68.3 percent), black beans (67.4 percent), sugar (56.75 percent), peas (63.4 percent), rice (32.32 percent), edible oil (94.5 percent), wheat flour (186 percent).

Although the upward adjustments are significant, prices are 40 percent below regulated prices, as planned by the management of Mercal.