Here’s How Argentine Grocery Prices Were Affected by the 2019 Primary Elections

The value of the Argentine peso has been a recurring topic in my blog over the years. But things have gotten pretty bad since the 2019 primary elections. I've been monitoring how the Argentine peso has continued to lose its value. For the moment, it has been fluctuating between 55 and 59 Argentine pesos per USD.

The Value of the USD in Argentine Pesos Over the Years
I wanted to share this updated list of what one USD is worth per Argentine pesos since we moved here in 2012.

• On December 31st, 2012, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 4.90

• On December 31st, 2013, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 6.51

• On July 29th, 2014, the cost of one US dollar in Argentine pesos was: 8.19

• On December 24th, 2015, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 12.97

• On June 19th, 2016, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 13.89

• On June 13th, 2017, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 15.90

• On September 26, 2017, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 17.90

• On May 13, 2019, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 45.52

• On September 26, 2019, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos is 57.17

Here's my pricing comparison list for September 2019!

In 2013, a bag of Doritos cost 20.19 Argentine pesos. But now it's 60 Argentine pesos ($1.05 in USD).

In 2013, a bottle of Heineken was worth 21.85 Argentine pesos. But now it's 106 Argentine pesos ($1.86 in USD).

In 2013, a box of Rex crackers (They're like generic Ritz) cost 7.99 Argentine pesos. But now it's 82.99 Argentine pesos ($1.46 in USD).

In 2013, Maruchan Instant Lunch Soups cost 9.99 Argentine pesos. In March 2019, the price was at 76.99 Argentine pesos ($1.35 in USD).

But in September 2019, the price went up to 94.99 Argentine pesos ($1.67 in USD)

Before I continue, you're all probably thinking. "Oh, what's the big deal? It's only about 30 cents extra. Yes, that's true. No one would break a sweat over a 30 cent mark up in the States. But when your finances are solely dependent on the Argentine economy, the price hikes in pesos do a lot of damage to people's pockets and bank accounts.

In 2013, Hellman's Mayonnaise cost 10.59 Argentine pesos. In September 2019, the price was at 55.00 Argentine pesos ($0.96 US Cents)

In 2013, Quaker Oatmeal cost 12.99 Argentine pesos. In March 2019, the cost was at 95.99 Argentine pesos ($1.68 in USD).

But in September 2019, the price WENT DOWN to 87.99 Argentine pesos ($1.54 in USD).

In 2013, Quaker Oatmeal cost 8.65 Argentine pesos. In March 2019, the cost was at 42.49 Argentine pesos ($0.74 US Cents).

But in September 2019, the cost went up to 56.00 Argentine pesos (($0.98 US Cents).

 In March 2019, the cost of Pringles Tortilla Chips was at 132.99 Argentine pesos. But in September 2019, the price went up to 147.50 Argentine pesos ($2.58 USD).

In March 2019, the cost of La Lacteo brand milk was at 50.99 Argentine pesos. But in September 2019, the price was actually lower at 44.99 Argentine pesos. And there was a special sale, so the cost went down to 37.90 Argentine pesos ($0.66 US Cents).

In 2016, the cost for a Kit Kat bar was at 15.99 Argentine pesos. But in September 2019, the cost went up to 87.99 Argentine pesos ($1.54 USD).

Whether the Argentine economy will see better days if a new president is elected remains to be seen. But I for one hope that it does for everyone's sake. I've noticed that the number of people going out of business is climbing and so are the number of homeless people on the street.

Here's How Argentine Businesses Are Being Affected by the Shaky Economy

The Argentine pesos' value is at its worst. It's been that way since the primary 2019 elections in August. But how has the massive devaluation of the Argentine peso in recent weeks affected the Argentine people?

I wondered if restaurants, supermarkets and shopping centers would start losing customers now that everyone was trying to save every cent they had. So over the past couple of weeks, I've been going out and taking photos to see if customer foot traffic had dwindled and I was really surprised.

Supermarkets in Cordoba Province, like Hiper Libertad are usually packed, which makes waiting in line a total nightmare. Not to mention the fact that the people in the aisle can be rude at times. Some people push, shove, or invade personal spaces. That's pretty much the norm around here. But recently, I've noticed that the checkout counters aren't quite as congested as they used to be.

So I went to a local Walmart to see if they had more foot traffic than local markets. But they didn't and that's not exactly shocking. Walmart supermarkets in the States are always promoting their lowest prices, but it's the total opposite in Argentina. The might claim they've rolled back prices. But a lot of the time, the cost of their items remains the same or is higher than local Argentine supermarkets. So it's not much of a surprise that people appear to have opted to shop for food at mom and pop shops near their neighborhood. Leaving this Walmart in Cordoba practically deserted.

But at malls like Nuevo Centro Shopping, things appear to be business as usual. Families continue to sit at fast food restaurants. They still go to the theater, and they shop, window shop, or take a seat to enjoy a cup of coffee.

The lines outside Hoyts in Nuevo Centro Shopping

The Burger King dining area was a little emptier than usual

Now, I'm not a big fan of crowds, which is why I avoid the downtown area or Nuevo Cordoba. But over the past few weeks, it's been pretty quiet in a lot of areas.

But that doesn't mean that there aren't times when business and foot traffic won't peak. These are just my observations of the days I've gone. And as I've said before; in the last seven years, I've observed that locals are extremely resilient. So despite the rising costs of food, medication, and pretty much everything else, I'm reasonably confident that they'll prevail.

Speaking of rising costs, I'll be publishing a list of updated comparison pricing of select supermarket items very soon. So stay tuned.