By THE PULSE NEWS MEXICO STAFF

Mexico’s inflation rate soared to 6.1 percent in April, its highest level since the year 2000, according to figures released on Friday, May 7, by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).

The federal government’s inflation rate is based on the prices of the country’s basic food basket, food and household products that are considered to be essential for basic life in Mexico.

In April, Mexico’s basic basket recorded its highest price increase in the last 21 years.

The Inegi reported that the 84 goods and services included in the basket shot up 10.3 percent in April compared to the same month in 2020.

This is the largest increase since March 2000, when the prices of these basic goods increased by 10.4 percent, according to the Inegi.

Among the items that most increased were chicken, one of the most important sources of protein for Mexican families. 

Chicken prices, which were up 22.8 percent in April compared to the same nth in 2020, have been on the rise since the end of last year.

April constitutes the sixth consecutive month with double-digit price increases for chicken.

Bean and rice prices also increased, by 13.9 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively.

Considered the main food for Mexicans, corn tortillas rose 7.3 percent in April, their biggest rise in almost four years, since September 2017.