Mauritius Inflation Hits 5.7% in September, Highest Since 2024

The cost of living in Mauritius is rising at its fastest pace in more than a year, according to the latest figures from Statistics Mauritius, the government's official statistical agency. Published on 7 October, the data shows that annual inflation — which measures how much prices have risen compared to the same month one year ago — climbed from 4.9% in August to 5.7% in September 2026. That is the highest level recorded since February 2024. On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.6%, moving from 113.4 points in August to 114.1 points in September. The CPI tracks the average change in prices paid by households for a basket of everyday goods and services. **What is driving prices up?** Statistics Mauritius points to three main contributors behind the September spike: - **Food prices**: The cost of certain food products continued to rise, adding direct pressure on household grocery bills. - **Fuel (petrol/essence)**: Higher pump prices are feeding through to transport costs and the broader economy. - **Private university fees**: Increases in tuition charges at private higher education institutions pushed up the education component of the index. **A worsening trend** The acceleration is notable when viewed over time. In September 2025, annual inflation stood at 4.4%. One year later, it has risen by 1.3 percentage points to 5.7% — a clear sign that purchasing power is being squeezed more severely than this time last year. For ordinary Mauritian households, this means that a basket of goods costing Rs 1,000 in September 2025 now costs approximately Rs 1,057 on average. **What this means** Rising inflation erodes real income — the actual buying power of wages and salaries. Even if workers received a pay rise this year, a 5.7% inflation rate means those increases may not fully cover the higher cost of everyday essentials like food and fuel. Low- and middle-income households tend to feel the impact most acutely, as a larger proportion of their income goes toward food and transport — two of the categories now under the most pressure. For policymakers, persistently rising inflation also complicates decisions around interest rates, public spending and social transfers. The Bank of Mauritius, which sets monetary policy for the island, will be watching these figures closely. Further data from Statistics Mauritius is expected in the coming weeks as the October figures are compiled. Source: ION News