Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s inflation rate eased further in March 2026, declining by 0.3 percentage points compared to February, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.
Figures released by the Central Statistical Office show that overall inflation now stands at 1.6%, down from 1.9% recorded in February 2026. This also reflects a significant drop from the 3.8% recorded in March 2025, indicating a steady moderation in price increases over the past year.
What the CPI means
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a key economic indicator used to track changes in the cost of living. It measures the average change in prices of goods and services commonly purchased by households, including food, transport, housing, clothing and education.
Government, financial institutions and businesses rely on CPI data to guide decisions on wages, pricing, lending and broader economic planning. For households, it provides an indication of whether everyday life is becoming more or less expensive.
Prices show modest increases
The report highlights that prices of goods rose by 1.9% on a year-on-year basis, while services recorded a slightly higher increase of 2.0%. Despite these annual increases, the month-on-month data paints a more encouraging picture, with prices actually declining marginally by 0.1% between February and March.
This suggests a short-term easing in price pressures, offering some relief to consumers.
Slower increases across key sectors
Several categories recorded slower price increases during the period under review. Notably, alcohol and tobacco products saw a significant slowdown in price growth, while the health sector, including medicines and medical services, experienced almost no increase.
The report also shows that price increases in restaurants and hotels eased, with some prices even declining slightly. Similarly, clothing and footwear recorded more moderate increases compared to previous months.
Transport costs, particularly fuel and lubricants, showed slight improvement, contributing to the overall moderation in inflation.
Housing and utilities remain key driver
Despite the general slowdown, housing, water and electricity costs remain the largest contributors to the overall inflation rate. Expenses related to rent and power bills continue to exert upward pressure on the cost of living.
These essential services remain a significant component of household expenditure, meaning that even small increases can have a noticeable impact on overall inflation.
Outlook
The continued decline in inflation suggests improving price stability in the economy, which could support consumer purchasing power and economic planning. However, the persistent contribution of housing and utilities indicates that cost pressures have not entirely subsided.
The full CPI report for March 2026 is available on the government website.
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