Argentina’s Inflation Surges to 138% Ahead of Presidential Election

Inflation in Argentina jumped to its highest level in three decades, underscoring the extent of the economic crisis that will confront the winner of the country’s presidential election.

Consumer prices rose 12.7% in September from a month earlier, above economists expectations for 11.5% and the second straight double-digit monthly increase. From a year ago, inflation accelerated to 138.3%, the highest level since the early 1990s when Argentina was exiting hyperinflation.