April inflation surges past 9%: BBS

Inflation rose above 9 percent again in April, with overall inflation reaching 9.04 percent, up from 8.71 percent in March, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

Although the rate was slightly lower than the 9.17 percent recorded in the same month last year, the month-on-month increase signals renewed pressure on the economy.

BBS data showed that both food and non-food sectors contributed to the rise, with non-food inflation remaining higher. Food inflation stood at 8.39 percent in April, while non-food inflation increased to 9.57 percent.

Economists said the recent fuel price hike played a major role in pushing inflation upward. Following the government’s decision on April 19 to raise diesel, kerosene, petrol, and octane prices, transport and production costs increased sharply.

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The higher fuel costs also raised supply expenses for daily essentials, causing prices of vegetables, fish, meat, and other goods to rise in local markets.

Meanwhile, the national average wage growth in April was 8.16 percent, lower than the inflation rate, reducing people’s real income and purchasing power, especially among low- and middle-income families.

Analysts said rising living costs and slower income growth are forcing many households to cut spending on basic needs or depend on borrowing to manage daily expenses.