Colombia's year-on-year inflation climbs to 6.03% in July

Colombia experienced a notable increase in its year-on-year inflation rate, reaching 6.03% in July. This figure represents a significant jump of 1.13 percentage points compared to the 4.90% recorded in July of the previous year, according to data released by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).

The upward trend in prices is also evident in the year-to-date inflation, which accumulated to 4.94% in the first seven months of 2026. This is higher than the 4.02% registered during the corresponding period in 2025. The behavior of the Consumer Price Index (IPC) was mainly explained by monthly variations in the categories of 'Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels' and 'Restaurants and hotels'.

The 'Restaurants and hotels' division saw the largest year-on-year increase, with prices rising by 9.53%. Other sectors experiencing significant annual price hikes include Health (8.37%), Education (7.57%), Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (7.14%), and Furniture, household goods, and maintenance (6.30%). Conversely, 'Clothing and footwear' (3.38%) and 'Recreation and culture' (3.74%) showed the lowest annual variations.

This persistent inflationary pressure led the central bank to maintain high interest rates at 12% last month. The July inflation figures confirm this trend, as the current 6.03% annual rate is double the monetary authority's target of 3% for the year. DANE also reported a monthly inflation rate of 0.17% for June.