Sept inflation hits 8.36%, driven by food prices

Bangladesh’s general inflation rate rose slightly to 8.36 per cent in September, up from 8.29 per cent in August, according to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Monday.

While still below the 9.92 per cent recorded in September 2024, the uptick marks a continuation of persistent price pressures across both food and non-food categories.

In September, food inflation stood at 7.64 per cent, marginally higher than 7.60 per cent in August. Meanwhile, non-food inflation climbed to 8.98 per cent, up from 8.90 per cent the previous month.

By comparison, food and non-food inflation in September 2024 were significantly higher at 10.40 per cent and 9.50 per cent, respectively.

Analysts attribute the renewed rise in overall inflation to a combination of factors, including increasing food prices and rising costs in essential services such as housing, education, and healthcare.

Additionally, a weaker taka against the US dollar and elevated import costs continue to exert upward pressure on domestic prices, according to economic observers.

The data underscores ongoing challenges in stabilising the cost of living, even as headline inflation remains below last year’s peak. Policymakers now face renewed pressure to contain price volatility ahead of the upcoming fiscal year.