May inflation quickens to 9.42%, highest in 16 months

Sharp rise in food prices drives overall inflation
Star Business Report

Bangladesh's overall inflation climbed to a 16-month high

of 9.42 percent in May, the highest since January 2025, driven largely by a sharp rise in food prices.

According to data released today by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), food inflation rose to 9.06 percent in May from 8.39 percent in April, reflecting higher prices of essential commodities.

 

Non-food inflation also increased, reaching 9.71 percent in May from 9.57 percent in April.

The rise in food inflation is expected to further squeeze household budgets, particularly for low- and middle-income families, as food makes up a significant share of their monthly expenditure.