The annual inflation rate in Botswana surged to 10.3% in April 2026 from 4.2% in the previous month. This marked the highest reading since December 2022, largely driven by a sharp rise in transport costs, which climbed 28.5% (6.4% in March), following significant increases in retail fuel prices and public transport fares. Inflation also accelerated for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (10.3% vs 9.9%) and miscellaneous goods and services (10.3% vs 9.4%). On the other hand, prices declined for housing and utilities (-1.7% vs -2.4%) and communication (-1.1% vs -1.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up by 6.7% in April, the sharpest rise on record and up from a 0.4% gain in the preceding period.