By Thabisani Dube
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has reported a moderate rise in consumer prices and poverty thresholds for March 2026.
Presenting the figures during a Zoom briefing with stakeholders on 26 March, Munyaradzi Chikadaya, Prices Statistics Official at ZIMSTAT, outlined the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends.
The ZiG CPI rose to 192.58 in March, up from 191.59 in February, reflecting a month-on-month inflation rate of 0.5 per cent, compared to 0.1 per cent in February. Year-on-year inflation climbed to 4.4 per cent, up from 3.8 per cent. Price increases were mainly driven by the Transport sector and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
“Prices for basic goods continue to rise, particularly in the Transport and Food sectors,” Chikadaya said.
The USD CPI recorded a 0.5 per cent month-on-month increase and a 1.3 per cent year-on-year rise, highlighting moderate growth in imported goods. The Weighted CPI, which combines ZiG and USD prices, rose by 0.5 per cent month-on-month and 2.0 per cent year-on-year.
Provincial data showed Matabeleland South leading month-on-month ZiG inflation at 2.2 per cent, while Mashonaland East posted the highest year-on-year increase at 7.0 per cent.
On poverty measures, the Food Poverty Line (FPL) for one person reached ZiG 896.49, while the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) stood at ZiG 1,312.17. “The Total Consumption Poverty Line reflects the minimum income required to meet both food and non-food needs,” Chikadaya added.
ZIMSTAT emphasised that poverty lines vary by province due to local price differences. Data was collected between 11–17 March 2026, providing a snapshot of consumer prices and living costs during that period.
The March release underscores the ongoing challenges faced by households as rising costs for food, transport, and essential goods continue to pressure living standards.
