Mauritius inflation slowed to 3.5% YoY in February, marking its lowest level since July 2025. The print undershot consensus and extended a seven-month easing streak.
Mauritius Inflation Rate YoY Hits 3.5% in February: Easing Momentum Continues
The latest data from Statistics Mauritius shows headline inflation decelerated further in February, with the YoY rate dropping to 3.5%. This marks a notable shift from the 3.9% recorded in January and continues a steady downward trend since mid-2025. The reading came in below the market estimate of 3.8%.
Table of Contents
Big-Picture Snapshot
Drivers this month
- Food prices: +0.11pp
- Transport: -0.09pp
- Utilities: +0.05pp
- Clothing: -0.03pp
Policy pulse
The February inflation rate of 3.5% sits just below the Bank of Mauritius’s medium-term target range of 3.7%–4.2%[1]. This marks the first time since October 2025 that inflation has undershot the lower bound.Market lens
Bond yields edged lower on the release, reflecting investor confidence in the disinflation trend. The rupee held steady against major currencies, while local equities saw modest gains as cost pressures eased for consumer-facing sectors.Foundational Indicators
Historical context
Inflation has now declined for seven consecutive months, falling from 5.4% in July 2025 to 3.5% in February 2026. The 12-month average stands at 4.6%, underscoring the magnitude of the recent pullback.Recent trend
- July 2025: 5.4% - October 2025: 4.4% - December 2025: 4.0% - January 2026: 4.5% - February 2026: 3.9% - February 2026 (latest): 3.5%Methodology
The headline figure reflects the year-over-year change in the national Consumer Price Index, compiled by Statistics Mauritius using a basket-weighted methodology[1].Chart Dynamics
February’s 3.5% print marks a fresh seven-month low, down from January’s 3.9% and well below the 12-month average of 4.6%. The pace of disinflation has accelerated since October, when the rate stood at 4.4%. Over the past six months, headline inflation has dropped by 1.9 percentage points.
The latest reading also represents a 0.4 percentage point MoM decline, the sharpest monthly drop since September 2025. This sustained easing reflects broad-based moderation across food, transport, and discretionary categories.
What This Chart Tells Us: The chart highlights a persistent disinflation trend, with headline inflation falling nearly two percentage points since mid-2025. The February reading confirms momentum is intact, with broad sectoral participation in the slowdown. The trajectory suggests inflationary pressures are receding faster than anticipated.
Forward Outlook
Scenario probabilities
- Bullish (25%): Inflation dips below 3.2% by April if food and fuel prices remain subdued.
- Base (60%): Inflation stabilizes between 3.3% and 3.7% over the next quarter, tracking seasonal patterns.
- Bearish (15%): Price pressures re-emerge, pushing inflation back above 4% if external shocks materialize.
Risks and catalysts
Upside risks include global commodity volatility and currency depreciation. Downside risks stem from softening domestic demand and favorable base effects.Data source
All figures are sourced from Statistics Mauritius and the Sigmanomics database, using official CPI releases and transparent weighting methodologies[1].Closing Thoughts
Market lens
Local equities and fixed income assets responded positively to the surprise downside in inflation. The sustained disinflation trend has improved sentiment among investors, with expectations for stable real returns and reduced input cost pressures.Policy pulse
The Bank of Mauritius is now positioned to maintain a steady policy stance, as inflation has moved below its medium-term target range for the first time in over four months.Key Markets Reacting to Inflation Rate YoY
Inflation readings in Mauritius have a direct impact on local equities, currency pairs, and global risk sentiment. The February print triggered a modest rally in consumer and financial stocks, while the Mauritian rupee remained stable. Below are key tradable symbols with direct or indirect exposure to the inflation trend.
- AAPL — Consumer electronics demand in Mauritius is sensitive to inflation-driven changes in discretionary spending.
- EURUSD — The rupee’s stability against the euro and dollar reflects inflation differentials and capital flows.
- BTCUSD — Bitcoin trading volumes in Mauritius often spike during periods of inflation volatility.
| Year | Inflation Rate YoY (%) | AAPL % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.6 | +81.0 |
| 2022 | 4.1 | +34.0 |
| 2024 | 5.0 | +48.0 |
| 2025 | 5.4 | +12.0 |
| 2026 YTD | 3.5 | +7.0 |
Since 2020, periods of lower inflation in Mauritius have coincided with stronger AAPL performance, reflecting improved consumer sentiment and risk appetite.
FAQ
- What is the current Inflation Rate YoY in Mauritius?
- The latest year-over-year inflation rate for Mauritius is 3.5% for February 2026, according to official data.
- Why did inflation in Mauritius fall to 3.5% in February?
- Broad-based moderation in food, transport, and discretionary prices contributed to the decline, extending a seven-month easing streak.
- How does the February inflation reading compare to recent months?
- February’s 3.5% is down from 3.9% in January and well below the 12-month average of 4.6%.
Mauritius inflation has entered a new phase of moderation, with headline rates now below central bank targets for the first time since 2025.
Updated 3/6/26
This has been drafted with AI assistance and then thoroughly reviewed, refined, and approved by our human editorial team to ensure accuracy, and originality.
- Statistics Mauritius, Consumer Price Index releases, 2025–2026.
- Sigmanomics database, inflation time series and methodology documentation.
