Zimbabwe Inflation Quickens to 4-Month High of 4.3%

2026-10-26 16:27 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate rose for a second consecutive month to 4.3% in October 2026, its highest level since June, up from 3.7% in September.

The acceleration was driven primarily by housing and utilities (3.6% vs 0.8% in September), reflecting faster price increases for gas (25% vs 19.4%) and water supply and other dwelling-related services (17.6% vs. 16.9%).

Prices also rose faster for clothing and footwear (3.5% vs 2.6%).

Meanwhile, transportation inflation remained elevated at 12.9%, despite easing slightly from 13.2% in September, with fuel and lubricant prices rising by 15.3% (vs 15.4%).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation slowed to 4.9% from 5.6%.

On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.2%, after a 0.5% increase in the month before.



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Zimbabwe Inflation Quickens to 4-Month High of 4.3%
Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate rose for a second consecutive month to 4.3% in October 2026, its highest level since June, up from 3.7% in September. The acceleration was driven primarily by housing and utilities (3.6% vs 0.8% in September), reflecting faster price increases for gas (25% vs 19.4%) and water supply and other dwelling-related services (17.6% vs. 16.9%). Prices also rose faster for clothing and footwear (3.5% vs 2.6%). Meanwhile, transportation inflation remained elevated at 12.9%, despite easing slightly from 13.2% in September, with fuel and lubricant prices rising by 15.3% (vs 15.4%). Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation slowed to 4.9% from 5.6%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.2%, after a 0.5% increase in the month before.
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