Argentine Peso Fluctuates as Inflation Concerns Persist
Buenos Aires – The Argentine peso experienced continued volatility on Friday, February 13, 2026, with both official and unofficial exchange rates shifting amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The fluctuations follow the release of January’s inflation data and statements from government officials regarding future monetary policy.
The official exchange rate stood at 1,365 pesos per U.S. Dollar for purchases and 1,415 pesos per U.S. Dollar for sales at the Banco Nación, marking a continuation of the downward trend observed throughout the previous week, according to reports from C5N. This represents a 5-peso decrease from the previous day’s rate.
Meanwhile, the unofficial “blue” dollar traded at 1,440 pesos per U.S. Dollar. La 100 reports that the blue dollar is being bought for 1,420 pesos and sold for 1,440 pesos. The gap between the official and unofficial rates remains a key indicator of market sentiment and capital controls.
The “dollar tarjeta,” used for foreign purchases with Argentine bank funds, was quoted at 1,774.5 pesos for purchases on February 13, 2026. This rate incorporates a 30% surcharge related to taxes, following the recent elimination of the Impuesto PAIS. As detailed by La 100, this impacts Argentinians making purchases in foreign currencies.
Luis Caputo, a government official, recently stated that inflation is expected to “converge to international levels,” according to C5N. However, the persistence of a significant gap between official and unofficial exchange rates suggests continued market skepticism. The exchange rate gap between the official and Banco Nación rates is around 4 percent.
The “blue” dollar, also known as the “black” or “parallel” dollar, has historically traded above the official rate, particularly since the implementation of capital controls in 2011 during the second presidency of Cristina Kirchner. La 100 explains that the term originated either as a reference to illicit dealings or as a method for identifying counterfeit bills.
Pagina 12 and Infobae are also reporting on the fluctuations.
