Consumer prices outpaced expectations to rise by 2.2% last month despite the COVID-19 lockdown, the INDEC national statistics bureau reported. In the first half of the year, prices have risen by 13.6%, a lower rate than previous years, but as a result a strong fall in economic activity amid the pandemic and its accompanying lockdown. In addition, utilities have been temporarily frozen. Over the past 12 months, prices in Argentina have risen by 42.8%. The highest increases last month were registered in clothing and footwear +6.6%, followed by recreational activities and culture +4.2%, home maintenance +4.1% and alcoholic beverages and tobacco +3.1%. Indicating a continued deceleration, food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by just +1% in June.