Malaysia’s Inflation Rises to 1.9% in April 2026, Driven by Sharp Fuel Price Hike

Kuala Lumpur, 19 May 2026 – Malaysia’s headline inflation increased to 1.9% year-on-year in April 2026, up from 1.7% in March 2026, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 136.9 from 134.3 in the same month last year. This marks the highest reading in recent months and is in line with market expectations.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the main driver of the increase was the transport category, which surged 4.1% (March 2026: +1.6%), largely due to significant fuel price adjustments:

• RON97 rose to RM5.06 per litre (March: RM4.03)
• RON95 increased to RM4.00 per litre (March: RM3.16)
• Diesel in Peninsular Malaysia jumped to RM5.92 per litre (March: RM4.12)

Other contributing categories included:

• Alcoholic beverages & tobacco (+2.8%)
• Information & communication (+2.0%)
• Food & non-alcoholic beverages (+1.2%)
• Furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (+0.4%)

The housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels category rose by a more moderate 1.1% (March: +1.2%).

Out of 573 items monitored, 63.5% (364 items) recorded price increases, with the majority (356 items) rising by less than 10%. Only 8 items increased by more than 10%. Meanwhile, 28.8% of items (165) saw price decreases, and 44 items remained unchanged.

Regional Comparison

Malaysia’s inflation remains among the lowest in the region:

• Philippines: 7.2%
• Vietnam: 5.5%
• Thailand: 2.9%
• South Korea: 2.6%
• Indonesia: 2.4%

Outlook

The April uptick reflects growing cost pressures from global oil prices and domestic fuel adjustments. While still manageable, it signals rising living costs for households and businesses. Economists generally expect full-year 2026 inflation to stay within the 1.5%–2.5% range, but close monitoring of energy and food prices will be essential.