Official 5% inflation rate in Tunisia does not reflect public sentiment, economist Moez Snoussi explains

Economist Moez Snoussi, speaking on Express FM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, clarified that the 5% figure represents an annual change, comparing prices from March 2026 to March 2025, rather than a monthly increase. He explained that this distinction is often misunderstood and contributes to the public's confusion. Snoussi attributed the discrepancy between official figures and public sentiment to the methodology used for calculating inflation.

The price index relies on an average consumption basket, which may not accurately reflect individual household spending habits. Essential expenses, such as food, can experience significant price hikes but have a limited weight in the overall calculation. Consequently, even if official inflation remains contained, the cost of living can appear to soar.

Snoussi emphasized that this public perception is legitimate and stems directly from methodological choices. He further highlighted the limitations of the reference basket, noting that certain significant expenses, like residential investment and housing construction, are excluded. Snoussi advocated for a revision of this indicator to better reflect the reality of household expenditures.

He also mentioned other inflation measurement approaches, such as the GDP deflator, which covers all goods and services produced in the