La Jornada: Inflation affects low-income households less, reports the Inegi

The increase in prices in the first half of the year was lower than the national average for households that receive lower incomes, unlike that registered for those that obtain incomes above six minimum wages, according to information from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).

General inflation in Mexico marked a respite at the end of last June in the increase in the cost of living of Mexicans. The national consumer price index (INPC) registered a variation of 1.46 percent in the first half of 2026, while in the first quarter the increase in consumer prices was 3.08 percent.

The containment in the price increases of products was in all income segments of the population, but the highest income segments accumulated a greater increase in six months than the rest.

Inflation in households that receive above six minimum wages was 1.68 percent in the accumulated of the first six months of the year, the widest among the classification of individual consumption by spending stratum; while the national one was 1.46 percent.

The increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages in this segment was 1.24 percent in the first semester; alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 5.63; restaurants and accommodation services, 3.56 percent, while insurance and financial services rose 5.96 percent.

The most vulnerable group of the population (which receives up to a minimum wage, 315 pesos) reported an inflation of 1.01 percent in six months, due to the lower impact of the price increase, well below the national rate.

However, in this segment the largest increase was recorded in insurance and financial services, 5.96 percent, while restaurants and accommodation services rose 3.55 percent.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation for this segment of the population was 1.13 percent; alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 4.09 percent, in the first half of 2026.

The price level of the economy continues to face pressures derived from the rise in energy prices, although its transmission to the underlying component remains contained.

During June, the moderation of geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz conflict favored a reduction in energy prices, commented Alan Olivares, economic analyst at Monex.

However, the escalation of hostilities at the beginning of July once again put upward pressure on oil prices. Added to this is the uncertainty derived from the review of the T-MEC and possible additional tariff measures, factors that keep the risks for inflation on an upward trend.