According to data released by the National Institute of Statistics, Tunisia's inflation rate reached 5.6% in September 2026. This increase is attributed to the acceleration of prices in several categories of goods and services. The food and beverages group recorded a 8.4% increase over the past year, compared to 7.5% the previous month. This significant rise in food prices is a major contributor to the overall inflation rate.
The prices of various food items have increased substantially, with poultry prices rising by 16.5%, fresh fruits by 16.3%, sheep meat by 14.6%, beef by 13%, fresh vegetables by 12.9%, and fresh fish by 10.4%. However, edible oils experienced a 4.1% decrease. The prices of manufactured products increased by 4.8% over the past year, driven by the 9.2% rise in clothing and footwear prices and a 5.1% increase in household cleaning products.
The services sector also saw a 4.2% increase in prices, primarily due to a 14.7% rise in accommodation services. The core inflation rate, which excludes food and energy products, remained stable at 4.9% in September 2026. The prices of free-market products increased by 6.8% over the past year, while controlled-price products rose by only 1.2%. There is a notable difference within the food sector, with free-market products increasing by 9.4% compared to a mere 0.2% for controlled-price products.
On a monthly basis, the consumer price index increased by 0.8% compared to August 2026, largely due to the 2.1% rise in food and beverages, a 3.9% increase in education, and a 0.5% increase in furniture and household maintenance. Within the food sector, fresh vegetables increased by 6.9%, eggs by 6.1%, poultry by 5.7%, and fresh fruits by 2.4%. The education sector saw a rise in prices due to increased costs in private pre-elementary and primary education, secondary education, tutoring services, and school supplies.
The groups "Manufactured Products" and "Services" made the largest contributions to overall inflation, at 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the "Non-Food Free Market" and "Food Free Market" groups contributed 3% and 2.4%, respectively. These statistics highlight the varied impacts of inflation across different sectors of the Tunisian economy.
The rising cost of living in Tunisia is a pressing concern, with the inflation rate affecting various segments of the population. The government's economic policies and external factors, such as global commodity prices, play significant roles in shaping the country's inflation landscape. Monitoring these trends is crucial for understanding the economic challenges facing Tunisia.
As Tunisia navigates these economic challenges, stakeholders, including policymakers and consumers, must stay informed about the factors driving inflation. This awareness will be essential for making informed decisions and implementing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising prices on the economy and households.
Key points
- Tunisia's inflation rate reached 5.6% in September 2026.
- Food and beverages prices increased by 8.4% over the past year.
- The core inflation rate remained stable at 4.9% in September 2026.
