Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the first quarter of 2026 rose to 102.44, up from the previous reading of 101.31 recorded in February 2026, according to data updated on 29 April 2026. The increase in the index points to a continued build-up in price pressures across the economy early in the year.
The move from 101.31 to 102.44 suggests that consumer prices have gained further ground since the last published figure in February, underlining persistent inflationary momentum rather than a plateau in price growth. While the data does not provide a detailed breakdown by sector, the headline increase will be closely watched by policymakers and markets for clues on the future path of interest rates and broader economic conditions.
With the first quarter of 2026 now on record at a higher CPI level, investors and analysts will be assessing whether this trend reflects temporary factors or hints at more entrenched inflation, which could influence expectations for monetary policy settings in the months ahead.
