Paraguay Conducts Family Budget Survey to Update Inflation Index

In a move aimed at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of inflation data, Paraguay's key economic institutions are undertaking a comprehensive Family Budget Survey (EPF). The Central Bank of Paraguay and the National Institute of Statistics (INE) are collaborating on this vital initiative, which seeks to update the Consumer Price Index (IPC) – the benchmark used to measure inflation.

The survey, currently in progress, involves a rigorous data collection process across approximately 3,060 households. This extensive fieldwork will span 12 consecutive months, from October 2025 to September 2026, encompassing the capital city of Asunción and 11 adjacent urban districts. The INE's field teams, identifiable by official credentials and marked vehicles, are meticulously gathering information on household consumption habits.

This update is particularly significant as the IPC is a critical indicator influencing public discourse, most notably in the ongoing discussions surrounding adjustments to the Legal Minimum Wage (SML). Consumers often express doubts about inflation figures, and this survey aims to provide a more robust and up-to-date foundation for calculating price changes, thereby increasing confidence in the official data.

The EPF will delve into various aspects of household spending, analyzing where resources are allocated, how expenditures vary with income levels, and which products and services hold the most relevance for families. The current IPC basket includes over 465 items, with food, transportation, and housing being the most significant components. By updating this base, authorities aim to ensure that inflation calculations more accurately reflect the current economic realities faced by Paraguayan households, supporting more informed monetary policy decisions.