…Food Prices Ease As Transport And Housing Costs Increase
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Central Statistical Office has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report for April 2026, showing that headline inflation rose slightly to 2.0 per cent.
The latest figure represents an increase from 1.6 per cent recorded in March 2026, but remains significantly lower than the 3.3 per cent recorded in April 2025.
According to the report, rising costs in housing, utilities and transport were the main drivers behind the increase in inflation during April.
Food Inflation Continues To Decline
The report shows that food prices continued to ease on a year-on-year basis.
Year-on-year highlights (April 2026 vs April 2025):
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages:
Inflation declined to -0.9 per cent, down from 3.6 per cent last year. - Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics:
Inflation slowed to 4.4 per cent, compared to 10.7 per cent in April 2025. - Health:
Inflation dropped sharply to 0.2 per cent, from 4.6 per cent previously.
The figures suggest that price pressures in several key consumer categories have moderated compared to the same period last year.
Housing And Transport Costs Push Monthly Inflation Higher
Despite the lower annual inflation trend, month-on-month price increases were recorded across several sectors.
Month-on-month highlights (April 2026 vs March 2026):
- Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels:
Increased by 3.9 per cent - Transport:
Rose by 2.4 per cent - Restaurants and hotels:
Increased by 1.1 per cent
The Central Statistical Office noted that housing and utilities, clothing and footwear, as well as transport, were the largest contributors to the overall inflation rate.
Goods Inflation Higher Than Services
The report further revealed differences between goods and services inflation.
Inflation breakdown:
- Goods inflation: 2.6 per cent
- Services inflation: 1.1 per cent
This indicates that prices for physical goods increased at a faster pace than services during the reporting period.
Full Report Available Online
The Central Statistical Office said the full Consumer Price Index Report for April 2026 is now available on the official government website.
(Courtesy Pic)
