Tomato, Potato, and Lemon Prices Drive Mexican Inflation to 4.02%

Mexico City — Mexico’s inflation rate rose to 4.02% in February, driven by significant price increases for tomatoes, potatoes, and lemons, according to the latest data from the national statistics agency INEGI.

The National Consumer Price Index reached 144.307, representing a monthly increase of 0.50%. This marks another uptick after January’s figures, with inflation now moving further from the Bank of Mexico’s projections for 2026.

“In February 2026, the National Consumer Price Index stood at 144.307 and represented an increase of 0.50% compared to the previous month,” INEGI announced on social media. “With this result, the annual general inflation was 4.02%.”

The core inflation index, which excludes goods and services with higher volatility, increased 0.46% monthly. Within this category, merchandise prices rose 0.39% while services increased 0.52%.

The non-core index grew 0.64% monthly, driven primarily by agricultural products. Fruit and vegetable prices surged 4.94%, while energy products and government-authorized tariffs advanced 0.02%.

Products with the highest price increases in February:

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Lemons
• Tomatoes (jitomate)
• Bananas
• Lunch counters
• Housing
• Cigarettes

Products that decreased in price during February:

• LP gas
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Onions
• Pork
• Deodorants
• Low-octane gasoline
• Serrano peppers
• Beans
• Zucchini

In February 2025, monthly inflation had been 0.28% with an annual rate of 3.77%, making the current figures represent a notable acceleration in price increases.