KATHMANDU: The mountainous region is facing the highest inflation in the country, according to the latest report by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) outlining the current economic and financial status up to mid-June of the ongoing fiscal year.
As per the report, the annual point-to-point consumer inflation in the mountainous region stood at 4.18 percent, the highest among all geographical regions. Inflation in the Kathmandu Valley was recorded at 2.73 percent, followed by 2.58 percent in the Terai and 2.48 percent in the Hill region.
Nationally, the overall annual point-to-point consumer inflation stood at 2.72 percent in mid-June, down from 4.17 percent during the same period last year. Within this period, inflation for food and beverage items was limited to 0.54 percent, while the non-food and services category saw an inflation of 3.94 percent.
According to the report, the prices of ghee and oil increased significantly by 10.06 percent over the year. Non-alcoholic beverages rose by 5.13 percent, fruits by 3.51 percent, and pulses and legumes by 2.85 percent. On the other hand, vegetable prices fell by 7.04 percent, spices by 3.06 percent, and meat and fish by 2.91 percent.
In the non-food and services group, prices of miscellaneous goods and services rose by 9.43 percent, clothing and footwear by 6.82 percent, education by 5.88 percent, household furnishings and equipment by 5.06 percent, and tobacco products by 4.68 percent.
Rural areas experienced slightly higher inflation than urban areas, with rural inflation standing at 2.90 percent and urban inflation at 2.66 percent.
From a provincial perspective, Koshi Province saw the highest annual point-to-point consumer inflation at 4.18 percent. Sudurpashchim Province followed at 3.86 percent. Inflation stood at 2.52 percent in Madhesh Province, 2.29 percent in Bagmati, 2.39 percent in Lumbini, 2.54 percent in Karnali, and the lowest, 1.75 percent, in Gandaki Province.
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