In May 2023, Chile experienced a slight decrease in inflation, with the twelve-month rate falling to 8.7% from 8.9% in April. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) also saw a minor increase of 0.1%, amounting to a cumulative rise of 2.3% over the past five months. This marks the second consecutive month of single-digit inflation.
The article highlights the complexities of Chile's inflation scenario, with some prices going down while others are increasing. Transportation costs have decreased, but there are concerns about rising prices for essential food items like eggs and bread. Egg prices have surged due to a reduction in the number of laying hens and the impact of avian flu. In contrast, bread prices have remained high, despite a decrease in wheat prices, a factor attributed to the winter rate still in effect. The government points to the 'Siembra por Chile' program as a positive influence, aiming to boost wheat production and lower flour prices. However, full impact on bread prices is yet to be seen.