Inflation eats Mexican merchants' profits during Lent

“For years people have eaten fish at Easter, it has always been a good season for us because many families get together on these days. But with these prices, let's see how this year goes," says Magdalena López, who has a seafood stall in a market in downtown Mexico City. The great challenge facing both businesses and consumers this season is inflation, which caused a 13.5% increase in the price of fish during March; while shrimp rose 13.4%. These increases are above general inflation, which in the month stood at 7.45%, according to Inegi data. The merchant reports that she has searched among her suppliers for those who offer her the best prices, at least for the foods that are sold the most during this season, such as shrimp or fish fillet, to somewhat mitigate the impact of rising prices. . But the inflationary phenomenon will inevitably hurt the pockets of those who already have a tradition of eating seafood during Lent. The Romero family is a fervent follower of tradition. For ...