Nepal Consumer Price Inflation Report (Poush 2082/83)

Kathmandu. In the month of Poush of the current fiscal year 2082/83, the annual point-to-point consumer price inflation was limited to 2.42 percent. In the same month of the previous year, such inflation was 5.41 percent, indicating a significant decrease in inflation this year.

In the month of Poush, inflation in the food and beverage group remained negative at 0.09 percent, while inflation in the non-food and service group stood at 3.81 percent. During the same period last year, the inflation for these groups was 7.67 percent and 4.19 percent, respectively.

The average inflation for the first six months of the current fiscal year 2082/83 remained at 1.70 percent. In the same period of the previous fiscal year, the average inflation was 4.97 percent.

Under the food and beverage group, the consumer price index for the fruit sub-group increased by 5.20 percent, ghee and oil by 4.96 percent, and non-alcoholic beverages by 3.04 percent in the month of Poush. Similarly, pulses and legumes decreased by 5.52 percent, spices by 3.92 percent, and food and food products by 3.70 percent.

Towards the non-food and service group, the consumer price index for the miscellaneous goods and services sub-group increased by 21.75 percent, education by 7.56 percent, clothing and footwear by 5.29 percent, tobacco products by 4.15 percent, and alcoholic beverages by 3.85 percent. However, the price index for the insurance and financial services sub-group decreased by 0.03 percent.

In terms of regional data, the annual point-to-point consumer price index for rural areas increased by 1.99 percent and for urban areas by 2.57 percent in the month of Poush. According to provincial details, the highest inflation was observed in Madhesh Province at 3.37 percent, followed by Koshi Province at 3.25 percent, Lumbini Province at 2.62 percent, Bagmati Province at 2.10 percent, Gandaki Province at 1.76 percent, Sudurpashchim Province at 1.27 percent, and Karnali Province had the lowest inflation at 1.08 percent.

According to geographical regions, the annual point-to-point consumer inflation in Kathmandu Valley was 2.48 percent, in Terai 2.65 percent, in the Hills 1.94 percent, and in the Mountain region 2.66 percent.