Inflation in Laos jumps to 41.26 pct in February

VIENTIANE, March 6– Inflation in Laos jumped to 41.26 percent year-on-year in February from 40.3 percent in January, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau. According to a report released on Monday on the bureau’s website, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 49.33 percent. Inflation in Laos has increased significantly since the…

VIENTIANE, March 6 (Xinhua) — Inflation in Laos jumped to 41.26 percent year-on-year in February from 40.3 percent in January, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau.

According to a report released on Monday on the bureau’s website, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages has surged by 49.33 percent.

The price of communications and transport rose by 47.42 percent. The cost of medical care and medicine increased by 42.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the cost of hotel and restaurant category surged by 36.23 percent. The cost of household utilities rose by 35.4 percent. The cost of housing, water, electricity and gas category surged by 28.26 percent.

In addition, the cost in the alcohol and tobacco category rose 26.43 percent, and the cost of clothing and footwear category increased 25.28 percent.

Inflation in Laos has increased significantly since the beginning of 2022, with rising prices continuing to inflict hardship on people’s daily life.

Lao government has vowed to take further actions to stabilize currency exchange rates and inflation, rein in rising prices, and foster trade and investment, in a bid to revive the economy.

The decision to more forcefully tackle the country’s continuing economic woes was made during the government’s monthly meeting last month. Enditem