Venezuelan inflation slows to 14.6% in February, central bank reports

Friday 06 March 2026 - 15:15

Venezuela’s monthly inflation rate fell to 14.6 % in February, official figures show, down sharply from a 32.6 % increase recorded in January, according to the country’s central bank.

While the monthly rate moderated, annualized inflation remains extremely high. Based on the central bank’s data, inflation over the past year reached nearly 618 %, illustrating the ongoing challenges facing Venezuela’s economy.

Price pressures and currency effects

Economists say that the sharp swings in inflation are closely tied to movements in the exchange rate and the limited availability of foreign currency in the domestic market. Broad depreciation of the bolivar has pushed up the cost of imported goods and contributed to rising prices for everyday products.

The latest figures come after a long period in which inflation data had not been updated, underscoring the difficulties in tracking price changes in an economy still struggling with the effects of earlier hyperinflation and economic contraction.

Accumulated inflation and impact on households

According to officials, Venezuela’s inflation rate for the first two months of 2026—combining January and February figures—stood at around 51.9 %, reflecting pervasive price pressures across sectors including food, housing, and services.

For many Venezuelans, rapid price increases continue to strain household budgets and erode purchasing power, with staples such as food and basic goods becoming progressively more expensive relative to wages and savings.