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Supermarket Prices Rise Again in Mauritius, Anger Grows
Detergents, hygiene products, chocolates and canned goods all cost more since October 1, as Mauritians struggle with a widening cost-of-living crisis.
By MauritiusNews Editorialabout 1 hour agoπ 0 views
Mauritians are facing yet another wave of price increases at the supermarket, just weeks after fuel prices were raised β and public frustration is boiling over.
Between October 1 and 6, the cost of several everyday products went up across supermarkets island-wide. Items affected include detergents, personal hygiene products, chocolates, and a range of canned goods. No official list of price changes has been published, but the increases have been widely noticed by shoppers.
**Readers sound the alarm**
ION News received thousands of WhatsApp messages from readers across the island, many asking the outlet to help raise public awareness about the price hikes. A recurring theme in those messages: households are struggling to make ends meet, especially towards the end of the month when budgets run thin.
Beyond the immediate price increases, many readers also vented frustration at the government, criticising what they describe as the removal of certain financial allowances β leaving families with less of a cushion at a time when they need it most. Specific allowances were not named in the messages, but the complaints point to a broader sense that the social safety net is being weakened just as living costs rise.
**A perfect storm for household budgets**
Mauritius has seen persistent inflationary pressure over the past two years, driven by global commodity prices, a weaker rupee, and rising import costs. The recent increase in fuel prices β which affect the cost of transporting goods β has added a further layer of pressure on retailers and, ultimately, consumers.
For lower- and middle-income households, which spend a larger proportion of their income on food and household essentials, these compounding increases are particularly painful.
**What this means**
If you shop at a Mauritian supermarket, expect to pay more for basic household staples. There is currently no government-announced price control or subsidy in place for the categories of goods affected. The price rises are not uniform β they vary by brand and retailer β but the trend is clearly upward.
Consumers can compare prices across supermarket chains and consider switching to own-brand or bulk options where available. Community organisations and social workers have urged those in genuine financial hardship to contact the Ministry of Social Integration or local welfare offices for support.
The government has not yet issued a formal response to the latest wave of consumer complaints.
Source: ION News
Which products have gone up in price at Mauritius supermarkets?β
Between October 1 and 6, 2025, prices rose on a range of everyday items including detergents, personal hygiene products, chocolates, and certain canned goods. The increases follow a recent hike in fuel prices, which also pushes up the cost of transporting goods to retailers.
Is the Mauritius government controlling supermarket prices?β
Some basic food items in Mauritius are subject to price controls under the Consumer Protection Act, administered by the Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU). However, the products most recently reported as increasing β such as detergents, chocolates and hygiene items β generally fall outside controlled price categories, leaving retailers free to adjust their prices.
What financial support is available for struggling households in Mauritius?β
Mauritians facing financial hardship can contact the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment or visit their nearest Social Welfare Centre. Various social aid programmes exist, though some allowances have reportedly been modified recently, which has itself been a source of public frustration.
