Cost of the Basic Basket in Ecuador reaches a record of $829 in March

Published at: 08/04/2026 11:32 AM

The cost of the Basic Family Basket (CBF) in Ecuador reached $829 at the end of March, setting one of the highest levels in the country's historical records. According to the technical report of the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), this figure reflects persistent inflationary pressure that directly affects the purchasing power of households, consolidating an upward trend in the national cost of living.

The increase is mainly due to the behavior of the food and non-alcoholic beverages sector, a sector that leads the price increases in the markets. This component, essential for daily survival, has undergone variations that position it as the main driver of the indicator, above other basic services or secondary consumer goods.

Geographically, the economic impact is not uniform, evidencing significant regional gaps. While Cuenca and Manta are ratified as the most expensive cities in the country to cover basic needs, towns such as Santo Domingo and Loja have comparatively lower costs. However, the INEC warns that, regardless of the city, the price trajectory remains generally upward.

Finally, the report highlights the critical gap between family income and the cost of 75 essential products. This disparity underlines the growing difficulty for an average family to cover the entire basket, which raises a scenario of economic concern regarding the food security and financial stability of the Ecuadorian population.

Mazo News Team