📈 April Inflation Surges to 5.4% Amid Rising Utility & Fuel Costs

Sri Lanka’s headline inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), accelerated sharply to 5.4% Year-on-Year (YoY) in April 2026, up from 2.2% in March. • Overall Inflation: Headline inflation more than doubled within a month, signaling a sharp upward trend at the start of Q2 2026. • Non-Food Category: The primary driver of the spike, with inflation jumping to 6.8% (compared to 2.9% in March). • Energy & Transport: Significant price hikes in Petrol and Diesel drove the Transport sub-category upward, directly impacting logistics and commuting costs. • Utility Costs: - LP Gas: The average price for a 12.5kg cylinder increased by Rs. 595.81. - Electricity: Significant rises in monthly bills contributed heavily to the non-food inflation surge. _Note: Figures are based on the latest report from the Department of Census and Statistics._