El Salvador has registered a notable advance in economic terms, reducing the monthly cost of the Canasta Básica Alimentaria (CBA) per capita to US$65.88 in october 2024, according to a report by the Fundación Ciudadana por un Consumo Responsable. This amount reflects a decrease with respect to august, when the figure was US$69.70, consolidating it as one of the lowest cost countries in Latin America.
This achievement is significant, especially in the context of a region where the cost of the CBA can reach up to US$138.87, as in Argentina, or remain above US$100 in countries such as Brazil and Mexico. Price stability in basic foodstuffs in El Salvador has been attributed to coordinated efforts between the government and the private sector to control inflation and guarantee the accessibility of essential products.
In comparison with its Central American neighbors, El Salvador also maintains a competitive position. While the cost of the CBA in Nicaragua stands at US$64.10, Honduras registers a value of US$98.48, and Costa Rica has a cost of US$108.63. This trend highlights El Salvador’s efforts to maintain affordable prices for its population, something that can serve as a model for the region.
The report also notes that Guatemala has a cost of US$115.77, standing out as the country with the highest expenditure in Central America. This data invite reflection on the differences in public policies and economic dynamics that influence access to basic foodstuffs in each nation.
El Salvador has not only managed to keep the cost of its CBA below the Latin American average, but has also taken an important step towards the economic sustainability of its households. This progress reinforces the idea that, with effective measures, it is possible to guarantee the well-being of the population without compromising access to a balanced and sufficient diet.