Ethiopia’s annual headline inflation rate eased to 14.9% in September 2026 from 15.1% in August, although it remained above the 13.2% recorded in September last year, according to data released by the Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS).

The latest figure represents a 1.7 percentage-point increase year on year, indicating that inflationary pressures remain elevated despite a slight month-on-month moderation.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation stood at 14.8% in September, down marginally from 14.9% in August. Sugar, honey and chocolate recorded the highest price increase among food categories, rising 39.8%, compared with 38.3% a month earlier.

Meat prices increased by 22%, while other food products rose by 19.1%. Fruit prices climbed 18.5%, oil and butter rose 18.2%, and milk, dairy products and eggs increased by 17.7%. Vegetable prices went up by 11.4%, while bread and injera, staple foods for Ethiopian households, recorded an 8.6% increase.

Non-food inflation also moderated, falling to 15.1% from 15.4% in August. However, several categories continued to register significant price increases. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose by 18.2%, education costs increased by 17.8%, and other goods and services climbed 17.6%. Transport prices rose 16%, while restaurant and hotel costs increased 15.3%.

The September data show mixed movements across non-food categories. Education inflation fell sharply from 25.3% in August to 17.8%, while health inflation declined from 12.8% to 10.9%. Transport inflation edged up from 15.6% to 16%, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased from 16% to 18.2%. Communication costs rose from 8% to 9.6%.

Among food items, meat inflation eased from 22.6% in August to 22% in September, while vegetable inflation declined from 12.1% to 11.4%. Bread and injera inflation, however, increased from 8.1% to 8.6%.

Although the decline in the headline rate suggests a modest easing in price pressures, the continued rise in the cost of essential goods and services remains a concern for households. With food inflation at 14.8% and non-food inflation at 15.1%, price increases continue to affect both daily consumption and broader household spending.

The September figures suggest that inflation is cooling slightly compared with the previous month, but the rate remains higher than a year ago, with sharp increases in selected food items continuing to put pressure on the cost of living.