Inflation soars to 8.29% in Nov as food prices defy seasonal trends

Bangladesh’s inflation rate rose to 8.29 per cent in November, marking a slight but notable increase at a time when food prices typically ease with the arrival of winter. 

The latest figures, published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Sunday, December 7, show inflation edging up from 8.17 per cent in October, although remaining well below the 11.38 per cent recorded in the same month last year.

Economists had expected some relief in food inflation as winter vegetables reached markets across the country. 

Instead, food inflation nudged upward to 7.36 per cent in November, compared with 7.08 per cent in October. 

Even so, the rate is significantly lower than the 13.80 per cent reported in November 2024, reflecting a year-on-year improvement in food supply conditions and import cost pressures.

The non-food sector provided a modest counterbalance, with inflation easing slightly to 9.08 per cent from 9.13 per cent the previous month. 

This small decline suggests a softening in costs across categories such as housing, transport, health, clothing and other services. 

In November last year, non-food inflation stood at 9.39 per cent.

The mixed movement across sectors indicates that overall price pressures remain stubborn, even as the headline rate shows gradual improvement from last year’s highs. 

Analysts say elevated global commodity prices, currency depreciation and domestic supply disruptions continue to feed inflationary risks.

With inflation still above the government’s targeted range, policymakers face ongoing challenges in balancing price stability with growth. 

Economists note that the next few months will be critical, as winter market dynamics, international fuel prices and exchange rate management will shape the inflation trajectory heading into early 2026.