Inflation still perceived as high

In September 2025, 78% of Mauritians believe prices are still rising. This figure is slightly lower than in previous quarters, suggesting a relative easing in perceptions, though without any real sense of relief.
The perceived causes of inflation are mainly attributed to economic policies, but also to a feeling that some companies are taking advantage of the situation, as well as to international tensions.

Food, the main pressure point

Price increases are felt above all in food products, cited by more than eight out of ten Mauritians.
Fruit and vegetables remain particularly sensitive. Food therefore appears as the primary area for trade-offs, for both economic and symbolic reasons.
This is all the more important to consider given that Mauritians do not consume enough fruit and vegetables, which has an impact on their health (see Nutrition Survey 2023 – Ministry of Health).

Budget management under constraint, but more controlled

The share of households reporting difficulties in sticking to their budget has decreased compared with mid-2025. However, this improvement remains fragile and is driven by active reallocation of spending rather than genuine financial relief.

Increasingly structured trade-offs

To cope, households choose cheaper products, reduce overall spending, cancel certain activities, dip into savings, or turn to second-hand options. These behaviours reflect a constrained optimisation logic that has become almost systematic.

Lasting dietary changes

More than half of Mauritians say they are eating less meat, fruit, fresh vegetables, and dairy products, while increasing their consumption of rice and grains. These shifts are especially marked among the upper middle class, indicating that budget pressure no longer affects only the most vulnerable households.

Food vulnerability not to be underestimated

Finally, some indicators call for vigilance: 8% of respondents say they sometimes do not have enough to eat, and 64% cannot always access the foods they would like. These figures highlight a latent food insecurity—often invisible, but very real.

Food vulnerability not to be underestimated

Finally, some indicators call for vigilance: 8% of respondents say they sometimes do not have enough to eat, and 64% cannot always access the foods they would like. These figures highlight a latent food insecurity—often invisible, but very real.

Conclusion

Mauritian households show a strong capacity to adapt, but this resilience relies on long-term sacrifices.

Beyond perceived inflation, it is the structural transformation of consumption behaviours that now represents a key signal for economic and institutional stakeholders.

The next Barometer will be conducted at the end of January 2026—contact us for more information.