KATHMANDU, Feb 3: The consumer price inflation increased to 2.42 percent in mid-January from 1.63 percent in the previous month, due to an increase in prices of fruits, edible oil and a number of non-food items.
The ‘Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal’ based on six months’ data of the fiscal year (FY) 2025/26, shows that the year-on-year consumer price inflation in mid-January however was less compared to same period of the last FY, when the inflation rate was recorded at 5.41 percent. The average inflation in six months was also down to 1.70 percent from 4.97 percent.
During mid-December to mid-January, the food and beverage inflation decreased 0.09 percent whereas non-food and service inflation stood at 3.81 percent. In the corresponding month of FY 2024/25, the price indices of these groups had increased 7.67 percent and 4.19 percent, respectively.
Consumer price inflation climbs to 6.05 percent in mid-December
Under the food and beverage category, year-on-year price index of fruit sub-category increased 5.20 percent, ghee and oil 4.96 percent, and non-alcoholic drinks 3.04 percent while price index of pulses and legumes sub-category decreased 5.52 percent, spices 3.92 percent, and cereal grains and their products 3.70 percent.
In the non-food and services category, the year-on-year price index of miscellaneous goods and services increased 21.75 percent, education 7.56 percent, clothes and footwear 5.29 percent, tobacco products 4.15 percent, and alcoholic drinks 3.85 percent. Similarly, the price index of insurance and financial services sub-category decreased 0.03 percent.
During the review month, the price index in rural areas increased 1.99 percent, while in urban areas, it inclined 2.57 percent as of mid-January this FY, compared to the same month of FY 2024/25.
Province-wise, consumer price inflation in Koshi Province was 3.25 percent, Madhesh Province 3.37 percent, Bagmati Province 2.10 percent, Gandaki Province 1.76 percent, Lumbini Province 2.62 percent, Karnali Province 1.08 percent, and Sudurpashchim Province 1.27 percent.
In the review month, consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu Valley, Terai, Hill and Mountain region stood at 2.48 percent, 2.65 percent, 1.94 percent and 2.66 percent respectively.
