Economy: Mauritius
Key Facts
—Who. Statistics Mauritius, the national statistics office, which publishes the monthly consumer price index.
—What. Year-on-year inflation rose to 5.7% in September 2026, from 4.9% in August and 4.4% in September 2025.
—Where. Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation east of Madagascar that imports its fuel.
—When. Published on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
—US link. Petrol costs Rs 77.70 a litre (about US$1.64 at Rs 47.4 to the US dollar), a rise of Rs 19.25 since January.
—As of. 7 October 2026, 22:55 GMT.
Consumer prices in Mauritius were 5.7% higher in September than a year earlier, up from 4.9% in August. Petrol, vegetables and private university fees pushed the index up, and the central bank now has to weigh prices against growth.
What We Know
The consumer price index rose 0.6% in one month, from 113.4 in August to 114.1 in September. Statistics Mauritius published the figure on Wednesday 7 October.
Mauritius publishes two inflation measures, which can confuse outside readers. The headline rate compares a full year of prices with the year before and stood at 4.1%, while the year-on-year rate compares one month with the same month a year earlier.
Core inflation (CORE1), which strips out food, drinks, tobacco and mortgage interest, reached 5.8% on the year-on-year measure, against 5.1% a year earlier. A narrower measure that also excludes energy and controlled prices (CORE2) was 4.1%.
What Pushed Prices Up in September
Gasoline added 0.3 points to the 0.7-point monthly rise in the index. Vegetables, other food, private university fees and other goods and services each added 0.1 points.
By division, transport prices rose 1.8% in the month and education 1.9%. Restaurants and accommodation rose 1.3% and food and soft drinks 0.6%.
The Fuel Price Squeeze
On 28 September the Petroleum Pricing Committee raised petrol from Rs 70.65 to Rs 77.70 a litre (about US$1.49 to US$1.64). Diesel rose from Rs 71.25 to Rs 78.35 (about US$1.50 to US$1.65), according to the news site Defimedia.
Since the start of the year petrol has risen by Rs 19.25 a litre, or about US$0.41, and diesel by Rs 19.40. The committee’s own formula pointed to a rise of about 18%, but the fuel price stabilisation account is in deficit, and regulations cap a single rise at 10%.
That gap means the formula still points to higher pump prices if world oil prices stay where they are. This is our reading of the pricing rules, not an official forecast.
A Harder Choice for the Central Bank
The Bank of Mauritius raised its key rate by a quarter point to 4.75% on 20 May, citing energy-price pressure from tensions in the Middle East. It held the rate there on 12 August.
In August it trimmed its 2026 headline inflation forecast to about 5%, from 5.5%, and its target range is 2% to 5%. It expects the economy to grow 2.8% this year.
The year-on-year rate of 5.7% now sits above the key rate itself. Raising rates would curb prices but could weigh on growth.
What Is Not Known
It is not known whether the central bank will raise rates again, because we did not find the date of its next meeting. It is also unclear whether the government will cut fuel taxes, or how quickly higher transport costs will reach shop shelves.
Statistics Mauritius publishes each monthly index in the first days of the following month. The October figures should show more of the effect of the 28 September fuel rise.
What It Means for US Readers and Investors
Mauritius is a tourism destination and an offshore financial centre, so higher local costs affect hotels, restaurants and transport prices for visitors. Rupee prices are quoted here at about Rs 47.4 to the US dollar, a mid-market rate on 7 October.
For investors, the main signal is that imported fuel costs are feeding into consumer prices. The central bank’s next move is the key variable to watch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inflation rate in Mauritius now?
Year-on-year inflation was 5.7% in September 2026, up from 4.9% in August. The headline rate, which uses a 12-month average, was 4.1%.
Why are prices rising in Mauritius?
Gasoline, vegetables, other food and private university fees drove the September increase. Transport prices rose 1.8% in the month.
How much does petrol cost in Mauritius?
Since 29 September petrol costs Rs 77.70 a litre (about US$1.64) and diesel Rs 78.35 (about US$1.65). Petrol has risen by Rs 19.25 a litre since the start of the year.
Will the Bank of Mauritius raise interest rates?
The bank held its key rate at 4.75% on 12 August and has not signalled its next move. Its target range for inflation is 2% to 5%.
Sources
Statistics Mauritius, Consumer Price Index for September 2026 · Bank of Mauritius, key rate decision of 20 May 2026 · Bank of Mauritius, Monetary Policy Report June 2026 · Newsmoris on the fuel price rise · Maurice Info on the fuel price rise
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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