Argentina was already battling annual inflation near 115%, which is driving a painful cost of living crisis and pushing people into poverty. "August was the worst month, I would say in the last 25 years of Argentina's economy," Sergio Massa, Minister of Economy and presidential candidate for the ruling Peronist bloc, said in a recent television interview. Reuters Graphics Reuters GraphicsThe survey of 28 analysts polled by Reuters forecast monthly inflation for August ranging from 9.3% to a maximum 12.9%. Analysts also predicted inflation would likely remain in double figures for September. Reporting by Hernan Nessi; Writing by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Persons: Javier Milei, Sergio Massa, Eugenio Mari, Hernan Nessi, Valentine Hilaire, Josie Kao Organizations: Index, Peronist, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Argentina's National Institute of Statistics, T Economic Advisors, Libertad y Progreso Foundation, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Argentina