Colombia Inflation Rate Highest in 18 Months

Colombia’s annual inflation rate rose to 5.56% in March 2026 from 5.29% in the previous month, topping market forecasts of 5.47% and marking the highest reading since September 2024. The latest result stayed outside the central bank’s 3% target, as upward price pressures came from all components, including food and non-alcoholic beverages (6.27% vs 5.84% in February), housing (4.15% vs 3.85%), furnishings (5.23% vs 4.73%), healthcare (7.87% vs 7.82%), education (7.54% vs 7.44%), transport (4.61% vs 5.27%), clothing (2.61% vs. 2.61%), and recreation and culture (2.38% vs 1.68%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.78%, slowing from a 1.08% rise in February and pointing to the softest level so far this year.

Colombia’s annual inflation rate rose to 5.29% in February 2026 from 5.35% in January and less than the expected 5.49%. The increase followed a brief moderation in inflation, with price growth remaining well above the central bank’s 3% target. Inflation accelerated notably in food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.84% vs. 5.11% in January), furnishings (4.73% vs. 4.12%), and healthcare (7.82% vs. 7.38%). In contrast, price pressures eased in housing (3.85% vs. 4.59%), clothing (2.61% vs. 2.45%), recreation and culture (1.68% vs. 2.54%), and transport (5.27% vs. 5.79%). Inflation also picked up in information and communication, restaurants and hotels, and miscellaneous goods and services, while education inflation was unchanged at 7.44%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 1.08% in February, sharply accelerating from a 1.18% increase in January.

Colombia’s annual inflation rate rose to 5.35% in January 2026 from 5.10% in December. The increase followed a brief moderation in inflation, with price growth remaining well above the central bank’s 3% target. Inflation accelerated notably in food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.11% vs. 5.07%), housing (4.59% vs. 4.76%), and furnishings (4.12% vs. 3.31%). In contrast, price pressures eased in healthcare (7.38% vs. 7.20%), clothing (2.45% vs. 2.12%), recreation and culture (2.54% vs. 1.85%), and transport (5.79% vs. 5.35%). Inflation also picked up in information and communication, restaurants and hotels, and miscellaneous goods and services, while education inflation was unchanged at 7.36%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 1.18% in January, sharply accelerating from a 0.27% increase in December.