Venezuela’s inflation surged to 475 per cent in 2025, making it the highest in the world, official data released by the Central Bank of Venezuela showed Friday. The figure far exceeded the International Monetary Fund’s 269.9 per cent forecast for the year.
The central bank also reported that accumulated inflation for the first two months of 2026 approached 52 per cent, although it did not issue a full-year forecast. The data marked the first official inflation figures published in over a year.
Economists and analysts said the sharp rise reflects the lasting impact of tightened United States sanctions in the lead-up to the January ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro. While sanctions have since eased amid a diplomatic thaw and pledges to jointly develop Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources with Washington, many citizens say they still face high prices for basic goods and services.
Food and drink prices alone climbed more than 500 per cent last year, with rent and healthcare costs also rising sharply, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing households.
Economists expect inflation to moderate this year, with some projections suggesting it could fall to around 100 per cent, though pressure on consumers remains significant.
