Tunisia’s inflation rate edged up to 5% in February 2026, compared with 4.8% in January, according to the latest figures released by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The increase in consumer prices was largely driven by a surge in food costs, which continue to place pressure on household budgets despite relative stability in several other sectors.
Food prices rose by 6.7% year-on-year in February, accelerating from 5.9% in January. The rise was mainly fueled by sharp increases in the prices of several staple products.
Fruit prices climbed 17.7%, while lamb rose 16.3%, fresh fish 14% and poultry 12.8% compared with the same period last year.
In contrast, cooking oils provided some relief for consumers, with prices dropping 10.3% over the same period.
While food inflation remains a major concern, the clothing and footwear sector showed signs of easing. Prices in this category still increased 8.9%, but the pace of growth slowed compared with 10% in January.
Other sectors also recorded moderate price increases. Manufactured goods rose by 4.6%, mainly driven by higher prices for clothing and cleaning products (+4.8%). Meanwhile, services increased by 3.8%, largely due to a sharp 11.3% rise in accommodation prices.
INS data also pointed to a positive development: core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, continued its downward trend, falling from 4.9% in January to 4.6% in February.
The statistics further highlighted a clear gap between state-regulated products and those subject to market forces. Prices of free-market food products increased by 7.6%, while regulated food items remained nearly stable, recording only a 0.2% rise.
