Benin: Consumer prices decline by 0.3% in August

The monthly decline is primarily attributed to the categories of “Transport,” “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages,” as well as “Restaurants and Accommodation Services.” INStaD specifically noted a 3.2% drop in the price of gasoline known as “kpayo” and a 9.9% decrease for spices, culinary herbs, and grains, particularly fresh chili peppers.

This easing was partially offset by a 12.4% increase in prices for the group “Other Vegetables,” which includes onions and carrots. Overall, the trend remains downward for the month.

Core inflation, calculated excluding seasonal and energy products, also contracted. Its index fell from 100.8 in July to 100.5 in August, representing a decrease of 0.3%.

Prices for local products decreased by 0.2% month-on-month, while prices for imported goods dropped by 0.5%. In July, INStaD had observed a 0.1% increase in the general index, primarily driven by transport and a 2% rise in the price of kpayo.

Regionally, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) maintained its main policy rate at 3% on Wednesday and forecasts an average inflation rate of 1% in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) for 2026. The figures published by INStaD for August reflect the monthly price changes in Benin.