Food pressures inflation in March due to lower supply and seasonal effects on key products
Fresh food led inflationary pressure due to supply shocks. Photo: Courtesy Minagricultura
TL;DR
- Fresh food prices surged in March 2026 due to supply shocks and seasonal factors.
- Tubers, particularly 'papa criolla', led the price increases, with significant hikes in Bogotá and Medellín.
- Reduced supply from key departments like Antioquia, Boyacá, Nariño, and Cundinamarca impacted tuber prices.
- Onions, carrots, and tomatoes also saw price increases due to reduced harvests in specific regions.
- Some vegetables like green beans, cucumbers, and zucchini became cheaper due to increased production.
- Fruit prices varied based on agricultural cycles, with mangoes, lemons, and tree tomatoes rising, while avocados and guavas fell.
- Beef prices increased nationally, attributed to lower slaughter dynamics.
- Chicken prices decreased, while fish prices rose, especially during the Lenten season.
- Grains and cereals like rice and beans saw price reductions due to increased supply and favorable import costs.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Upra emphasized the importance of monitoring price variations to strengthen resilient agri-food systems.