While an established tortilla shop faces costs close to $25 pesos per kilogram—including taxes and permits—many informal establishments sell cheaper, affecting the viability of formal businesses. "There's no way to avoid it," insisted López García, noting that many producers face the dilemma of closing or raising prices. In this scenario, the Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office is expected to reinforce operations to prevent excessive price increases, although price freedom limits direct intervention. The increase will take effect next week and could immediately impact the daily spending of millions of Mexican families. The National Tortilla Council confirmed that, starting April 15, the price per kilogram of tortilla will increase by 2 to 4 pesos nationwide, an adjustment producers describe as inevitable given accumulated cost pressures. According to the head of the organization, Homero López García, the increase is due to a backlog of several years in price adjustments, rather than a single recent factor. An "irreversible" increase nationwide. The sector leader explained that the adjustment can no longer be contained. According to data from the National Information and Market Integration System (SNIIM) and the sector, prices will be as follows: Mexico City and State of Mexico: will rise from $22 to between $24 and $26 pesos per kilogram. Northern zone (such as Sonora and the border): will increase from $30-$32 to $34-$36 pesos. Puebla and Tlaxcala: will rise from $17-$18 to $20-$21 pesos. Currently, the center of the country maintains the lowest prices, while northern states already record the highest costs, driven by logistics and insecurity. Unfair competition and pressure on the sector. Another factor worsening the situation is the proliferation of informal businesses. The problem, he said, is structural: accumulated increases in inputs, wages, spare parts, and operational costs. This is compounded by other factors that have made production more expensive: Increase in fuel, raising transportation costs. Increases in electricity, gas, and food-grade paper. Security issues on distribution routes. Higher labor costs due to labor shortages. From $22 to over $30: this is how the price will look. The impact will vary by region due to supply and demand dynamics. Mexican households will face a new blow to their wallets. "It's too late," he warned, after noting that profit margins have fallen by nearly 16% in recent years, forcing producers to pass the cost on to consumers. Although a recent increase in corn flour was announced, López García clarified that this represents only a few cents per kilogram.
