By Hernan Nessi
BUENOS AIRES, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's monthly inflation is estimated to have accelerated to 1.9% in September, driven by seasonal factors that pushed up food prices, a Reuters poll of economists showed.
The median estimate from a survey of 14 local and international analysts, compares with a 1.7% increase registered in August, a level at which they don't expect monthly inflation to fall in the coming months.
• The Consumer Price Index was "heavily influenced by seasonal factors" this month, said the consulting firm C&T Asesores Economicos.
• Food and beverages prices rose 2% in September — the fastest pace since May — with vegetables up 11% and meat up 2.1%, they added.
• On the year, inflation is forecast at a median 33.3% for September, versus a 33.5% increase the prior month. Official data are due on Tuesday.
• "According to our nowcast, September's inflation would end at 2% month-on-month, which would bring year-on-year inflation to 33.4%," Julian Neufeld, an economist at the Libertad y Progreso Foundation, told Reuters.
• Looking ahead, inflation is expected to hover around 2% in the coming months, hitting 30% by the end of 2026, he added.
• Economist Ignacio Ruiz at Ecolatina forecast inflation between 1.7% and 2% in coming months, citing constant utility tariff adjustments and seasonal goods factors.
• President Javier Milei's government has sought to curb inflationdespite an economic contraction caused by a prolonged austerity drive, accompanied by rising poverty and homelessness.
(Report by Hernan Nessi; Writing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Lucinda Elliott)