Argentina's government raised domestic air fares on Tuesday for the second time in just over a month, responding to complaints from airlines about rising fuel and wage costs.
Rates will rise an average 18 percent, according to a rate sheet published in the Official Bulletin. The government approved a similar increase last month.
The move comes as an Argentinean businessman is completing talks to buy a share in flagship carrier Aerolineas Argentina from the Spanish travel group Marsans.
Earlier this month, Marsans reached a preliminary agreement to reduce its stake in Aerolineas Argentinas to 35 percent from 95 percent, including selling a big share to the government.
Under the terms of the agreement, the government is expected to increase its stake to 20 percent from a previous 5 percent, with company employees expected to hold 10 percent.
The remaining 70 percent will be divided between Marsans and Juan Carlos Lopez Mena, the owner of Buquebus, a Buenos Aires-based high speed ferry company.
Aerolineas Argentinas controls nearly 80 percent of Argentina's domestic market.
