Observatorio económico de La Concordia: primeros hallazgos del sistema de informes de precios

Abstract

Recent changes in food prices in local territories highlight the need for information systems capable of capturing short-term variations that national statistics cannot fully reflect. This study presents the first findings of the Economic Observatory of La Concordia, whose purpose is to establish a periodic reporting system based on direct measurements of retail prices. A non-experimental repeated crosssectional design was applied through two rounds of data collection in local retail establishments, using a structured instrument and standardized observation criteria. The results show differentiated patterns among products: stability in items such as milk, eggs, rice, and poultry, and high volatility in vegetables and tubers, particularly carrots and potatoes. Relevant variations were also identified in fuel prices, which increase logistical costs and may influence final food prices. Thesefindings demonstrate that even an initial low-intensity monitoring system can detect early signals of supply pressures and local price dynamics. The study concludes that the sentinel-product approach and the use of standardized classification structures provide a solid foundation for a replicable monitoring system that can support public and community decision-making.