Overview
- Santa Fe bus operators warned the diesel spike is making normal service unviable, with some stations selling above 2,100 pesos per liter and private checks showing March rises near 27%.
- The city lifted the full bus fare to 1,720 pesos in early March, yet only about a quarter of riders pay that amount because most use discounted or free tickets, which weakens operators’ cash flow.
- ATAP cautioned that persistently high costs could force cuts to bus frequency and push companies into financial stress, and it said it is working with the province to hold service together.
- Economy Minister Luis Caputo said March inflation will come in higher than recent months and could exceed 3%, pointing to fuel and education as the main drivers.
- Across Latin America, central banks split on interest rates as oil stayed above US$100, with Brazil trimming, Colombia lifting to 11.25%, and Peru holding, underscoring wider pressure from costlier energy and disrupted trade routes.