November price hikes hit transport, health, rent and utilities in Buenos Aires

A new round of price increases begins in November across the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, affecting household budgets after September inflation was recorded at 1.9 percent. Public transport, private health insurance, private schools, electricity, gas, water and rent are among the services set to rise.

Public transport fares in the city of Buenos Aires will increase by 3.9 percent under a monthly formula that adds two percentage points to the previous month's inflation. Registered SUBE card users will pay 956.38 pesos for trips up to three kilometers and 1,062.70 pesos for trips between three and six kilometers.

“The increases will exceed the September inflation reference in several sectors.”

Provincial bus lines will apply a 4 percent increase, setting the minimum fare at 1,263.69 pesos and the three-to-six-kilometer fare at 1,421.65 pesos. The 104 national lines connecting the city with the surrounding conurbation will keep their current fares after an agreement to raise sector subsidies.

Private health plan premiums will rise by up to 2.88 percent, exceeding September inflation. OSDE will increase rates between 1.7 and 2.2 percent depending on the plan, while Italian Hospital and Swiss Medical will update prices by 2.3 percent. Sancor Salud will apply the highest increase at 2.88 percent, followed by Omint at 2.75 percent and Galeno at 2.2 percent.

Toll fees on city-managed highways will also rise by 3.9 percent. Light vehicles will pay 4,974 pesos during regular hours and 7,049 pesos at peak times on the 25 de Mayo and Perito Moreno highways. Rates on the Illia will be 2,072.43 pesos and 2,930.85 pesos at Retiro II, Sarmiento and Salguero.

New electricity and gas rate schedules were officially approved for November users in the Buenos Aires area, though some tariff tables still require formalization. Private school fees and rental prices are also scheduled to increase, with the final impact varying by zone, contracted service and individual contract conditions.