Annual inflation in El Salvador rose to 3.19% in August 2026, up from 2.49% in July, marking the highest rate since July 2023. Price growth accelerated in several categories, including food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.65% vs 2.49%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.62% vs 2.11%), health (0.54% vs 0.39%), transport (2.91% vs 2.57%), communications (8.23% vs 4.95%), and miscellaneous goods and services (2.14% vs 1.96%).
Inflation also picked up for clothing and footwear, rising to 2.62% from 2.11%. In contrast, inflation eased in the education sector (3.30% vs 3.65%). Deflation was recorded in housing and utilities (-0.32% vs 0.05%) and in recreation and culture (-0.91% vs -0.90%). Price growth for furniture and household goods held steady at 1.90%, while prices in restaurants and hotels were unchanged, resulting in a flat inflation rate for that category.
