ON AIR
Tortilla prices in Mexico are on the rise, driven by increasing production costs, directly impacting one of the country’s most essential staple foods.
According to recent reports, the average price of tortillas in urban areas is around 23.7 pesos per kilogram, although in northern cities such as Mexicali, Hermosillo, and Ciudad Acuña, prices have reached as high as 35 pesos per kilo.
In other regions, the increase is also noticeable. In Guadalajara, particularly in traditional neighborhoods like Santa Tere, tortillas are being sold for up to 30 pesos per kilo, reflecting the pressure faced by local tortilla producers.
Why Are Prices Increasing?
The rise is mainly due to higher input costs. The president of the National Tortilla Council, Homero López García, estimates that prices could increase by 2 to 4 pesos more per kilogram in the coming weeks.
One key factor is the rising cost of corn flour. The company Maseca announced that, starting April 15, the price per ton will increase by 450 pesos, which translates to approximately 25 cents more per kilo.
Additional contributing factors include:
- Higher electricity and gas costs
- Increased transportation and logistics expenses
- Labor costs
- Overall food inflation
No Price Control
Unlike other products, tortilla prices in Mexico are not regulated by the government, meaning each business sets prices based on its operating costs.
The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) does not have the authority to penalize or shut down tortilla shops for price increases caused by more expensive inputs, leaving pricing subject to market conditions.
Impact on Household Economy
Tortillas are a fundamental part of the Mexican diet, so any price increase directly affects the daily expenses of millions of families.
Experts warn that if production costs continue to rise, tortilla prices could keep increasing gradually, especially in areas with high demand or strong tourism activity.