Freetown, 29th April 2026 – Sierra Leone’s annual consumer price inflation climbed back into double digits in March 2026, reaching 10.24%, up from 8.05% in February, according to Statistics Sierra Leone. This marks the first time inflation has exceeded the 10 per cent threshold since March 2025.
The monthly inflation rate, however, eased slightly to 2.28% in March, down by 0.23 percentage points from 2.51% in February, suggesting some moderation in short‑term price pressures.
Food and non‑alcoholic beverages inflation rose marginally to 4.58%, compared to 4.38% in February. But the sharpest increases were recorded in the non‑food category, where inflation jumped from 10.95% in February to 14.68% in March, a 3.73 percentage point surge.
Within non‑food components, six divisions registered increases, four declined, and one remained unchanged. Transport costs led the spike, soaring by 13.17 percentage points, driven largely by fuel price hikes linked to instability in the Middle East. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels also rose significantly, up 9.13 percentage points, while health services climbed 6.12 percentage points. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased by 3.43 percentage points, and restaurants and hotels by 2.06 percentage points.
On the other hand, furnishings and household equipment recorded a notable decline of 3.92 percentage points, while education remained unchanged.
The return to double‑digit inflation could erode household purchasing power and complicate fiscal management. Rising transport and utility costs are expected to ripple through supply chains, raising the cost of goods and services across the economy.
The data highlights the challenges facing policymakers as Sierra Leone navigates external shocks and domestic vulnerabilities. Stabilising fuel prices and expanding access to affordable energy will be critical to easing inflationary pressures in the months ahead.
