The inflation rate in Tunisia stood at 5.6% in September 2026, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in its monthly bulletin on the consumer price index. This rate indicates a significant increase in the cost of living in the country. The INS publishes this data to provide insights into the country's economic situation. The inflation rate has implications for the purchasing power of consumers and the overall economy.
The consumer price index rose by 0.8% in September 2026 compared to August 2026. This increase is primarily attributed to the growth in prices of the food and beverages group by 2.1%, the education group by 3.9%, and the furniture, equipment, and household services group by 0.5%. These categories contribute significantly to the overall inflation rate. The price increases in these sectors impact the daily lives of Tunisian citizens.
The food and beverages group saw a 2.1% increase in September 2026 compared to the previous month. This rise is largely due to the increase in prices of fresh vegetables by 6.9%, eggs by 6.1%, poultry by 5.7%, and fresh grains by 2.4%. These essential goods are crucial for households. The price fluctuations in the food sector can affect the budgets of many families.
The education group recorded a 3.9% increase in September 2026. This growth is primarily driven by the rise in prices of private preparatory and primary education services by 5.3%, private secondary education services by 4.7%, and remedial lessons by 3.3%. The increase in education costs can be a significant burden for families. The education sector's price changes have a considerable impact on household expenses.
On an annual basis, the food and beverages group increased by 8.4% in September 2026. This is mainly due to the rise in prices of poultry by 16.5%, fresh grains by 16.3%, lamb by 14.6%, beef by 13%, and fresh vegetables by 12.9%. However, olive oil prices decreased by 4.1%. The annual inflation rate for food and beverages reflects the sustained price growth in this sector.
The manufactured goods prices rose by 4.8% in September 2026 compared to the same period last year. This increase is primarily driven by the growth in prices of clothing and footwear by 9.2% and cleaning products by 5.1%. The service sector also saw a 4.2% increase, mainly due to the rise in hotel services by 14.7%. These price changes affect the overall cost of living.
The underlying inflation rate, which excludes energy and food, remained stable at 4.9% in September 2026. In contrast, the free market goods prices increased by 6.8%, while the controlled market goods prices rose by 1.2%. The annual inflation rate for free market food products reached 9.4%, whereas it was 0.2% for controlled market food products. These indicators provide insights into the inflation dynamics in Tunisia.
Key points
- Tunisia's inflation rate reached 5.6% in September 2026.
- The food and beverages group contributed significantly to the inflation rate, with an 8.4% annual increase.
- The education group recorded a 3.9% increase in September 2026.
