Bangladesh inflation edges up in March amid rising non-food prices

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rate rose slightly to 9.35 per cent in March, up from 9.32 per cent in February, according to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

The rise was primarily driven by a notable increase in non-food inflation, which surged to 9.70 per cent from 9.38 per cent the previous month. This uptick has been attributed to increased consumer demand during Eid and ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Non-food inflation in rural areas rose to 9.97 per cent in March from 9.85 per cent in February, while urban areas saw a jump from 9.27 per cent to 9.95 per cent.

Despite the overall increase, rural inflation slightly dropped to 9.41 per cent in March, compared to 9.51 per cent in February. Conversely, urban inflation climbed to 9.66 per cent from 9.34 per cent during the same period, domestic media reports said quoting BBS data.

Meanwhile, wage growth saw a marginal increase, rising to 8.15 per cent in March from 8.12 per cent in February. However, wages have remained below the inflation rate for the past 38 months.

General inflation peaked at 11.38 per cent in November last year, and the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024–25 recorded inflation growth of 4.48 per cent.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)