Mbabane – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development’s Central Statistical Office (CSO) has reported that Eswatini’s annual inflation slowed to 2.8 percent in July, down slightly from 2.9 percent in June and well below the 4.2 percent recorded in the same month last year.
The report, issued through the National Accounts Unit, shows that while the overall rate eased, price movements across sectors were uneven. Goods recorded an increase of 3.1 percent, while services grew more moderately at 2.4 percent. On a monthly basis, overall inflation declined by 0.1 percent, offering some relief for households facing tighter budgets.
The hospitality sector, covering hotels and restaurants, saw a sharp turnaround after a 5.1 percent decline in June. Prices in this category rose by 5.3 percent in July as more residents and visitors spent on dining and accommodation.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, on the other hand, became more affordable, with inflation falling to -0.6 percent, mainly due to lower costs of fresh produce and bottled water. Alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics posted one of the steepest increases, more than doubling compared to July 2024, largely driven by rising beer prices.
Personal care services, such as hairdressing, slowed in price growth, contributing to a dip in the miscellaneous goods and services group, which settled at 3.8 percent.
The latest inflation figures present mixed signals for consumers, with some sectors easing pressure while others continue to push up the cost of living.
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