A. M. The cost of the basic food basket in El Salvador reached US$246.64 in january 2025, according to the Observatorio Nacional de Estadística y Censos (ONEC). The figure represents an increase of US$46.68 in six years, reflecting the upward trend of essential products for the population.
Experts attribute this increase to factors such as problems in the supply chain due to the pandemic, the impact of climate change on harvests and, mainly, the low food production in the country. In view of this situation, several organizations have proposed measures to mitigate the impact on the economy of salvadorans.
According to the Centro para Defensa del Consumidor (CDC), millions of people have had to adjust their consumption in the face of rising prices, since their income is not enough to cover basic costs. This scenario especially affects those who work in the informal sector or earn the minimum wage or less, explained economist Otto Rodríguez.
Since the last update of the minimum wage in august 2021, the basic food basket has risen US$41.90, which has generated calls for a new wage revision. In addition, the CDC recommends implementing programs to strengthen domestic agricultural production and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
Some salvadorans have opted to change their purchasing and consumption habits, while others have resigned themselves to the upward trend. However, specialists assure that with adequate policies and support to local agriculture, it is possible to stabilize prices and improve food security in the country.
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