Colombia Inflation Accelerates in January

In January 2026, Colombia experienced a rise in its annual inflation rate, climbing to 5.35% from 5.10% in the previous month of December. This increase occurred after a short period of moderated inflation, with the rate continuing to significantly surpass the central bank's target of 3%. The inflationary pressures intensified particularly in the categories of food and non-alcoholic beverages (at 5.11% compared to 5.07% previously), housing (4.59% against 4.76%), and furnishings (4.12% versus 3.31%). However, there was a slight easing of price pressures in sectors like healthcare (down to 7.38% from 7.20%), clothing (2.45% from 2.12%), recreation and culture (2.54% up from 1.85%), and transport (5.79% compared to 5.35%). Additionally, inflation increased in the sectors of information and communication, restaurants and hotels, and various goods and services, while education-related inflation remained stable at 7.36%. On a month-over-month basis, consumer prices saw a significant rise of 1.18% in January, up sharply from a 0.27% increase in December.