Mauritians Face 4 Key Sector Price Shifts as 2026 Economic Outlook Stabilises

Consumers in Mauritius can expect a broadly stable year for essential costs in 2026, though seasonal demand and currency volatility remain significant threats to the household budget. While prices for transport and fuel show signs of holding steady or even decreasing, the cost of imported medicines continues to climb.

Experts warned that despite an overall outlook of stability, specific religious festivals and logistical shifts could trigger temporary price spikes, particularly in the food sector.

Vegetable Prices to Surge in Late January

Fresh produce costs are currently described as “reasonable and affordable” due to favourable weather and increased land allocation for farmers. However, a sharp price hike is forecast from late January to mid-February.

Kailash Ramdhary, spokesperson for the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock & Cooperative Organic Network (FALCON), attributed the upcoming pressure to the Thaipoosam Cavadee and Maha Shivratri festivals.

“Many Mauritians will be fasting, leading to a surge in demand for vegetables. Increased demand inevitably means increased prices,” Mr Ramdhary noted.

Beyond the festivals, the looming risk of cyclones and heavy rains remains a wildcard for agricultural yields.

Fuel and Transport: Hopes for a Reprieve

Commuters may find some relief as petrol retailers eye a potential price cut in March. Global oil prices have dropped to under $60 a barrel, compared to last year’s average of $65.

Bhim Sunnassee, president of the Petrol Retailers Association, is calling on the Petroleum Pricing Committee to reflect these global savings locally.

He suggested the government use surpluses from petrol accounts to offset deficits in diesel stabilization funds.

Meanwhile, taxi and school van fares are expected to remain frozen.

Raffick Bahadoor, head of the Taxi Proprietors Union, stated that drivers are absorbing rising operational costs rather than raising fares to avoid losing customers to the Metro and private transport apps.

Medical Costs Remain Under Pressure

In contrast to the stability elsewhere, the price of medicine continues an upward trajectory.

Local pharmacists report that the cost of some treatments has more than doubled over the last two years; one product that previously cost Rs 1,100 is now retailing at Rs 2,340.

Norina Sookmoulla, Managing Pharmacist at Nori-Pharm, warned that as long as freight costs rise and the Mauritian Rupee remains volatile, “prices will continue to climb.”

While diabetes medication and some staples like Panadol remain stable, the general trend for imported healthcare remains “resolutely bullish.”

Source: Defi Media