El Salvador has the lowest increase in prices

Higher prices for fuel and food are having the greatest impact on the purchasing power of Central Americans.

Salvadorans and Guatemalans have been least affected by price hikes.

By contrast, Panama and Nicaragua have been hit hardest by increases in the cost of food, hotels and various basic services, including transportation and electricity.

Costa Rica has maintained a balance between a sustained level of domestic consumption and moderate price increase.

Figures refer to for inflation in each country, between July 2011 and June of this year, according to the Central American Monetary Council.

1. El Salvador (0.6)
2. Guatemala (3.5)
3. Costa Rica (4.7)
4. Honduras (4.7)
5. Panama (5.8)
6. Nicaragua (6.5)