The year-on-year Consumer Price Index in August has increased by 7.44 per cent compared to the same month of the previous year. Meaning, consumers are paying 7.44 per cent more for the same goods and services compared to the same month, last year. However, the rate of increase has dropped by 0.12 per cent compared to July this year.
In the month of August this year, food and non-alcoholic beverages were the main contributors to the increase. The items recorded at 15.04 per cent. It was followed by 9.82 per cent increase for alcoholic beverages and betel nuts.
And within the food, prices of vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products recorded the highest increase with an average increase of 22 per cent.
For the non-food group, all groups recorded an increase except for communication which has dropped by 6.16 per cent since July this year, mainly due to data charges.
The Consumer Price Index is a measure of average price changes in the basket of goods and services purchased by households over time.
The worth of Nu 100 in August this year is equivalent to Nu 67 in December 2012. The purchasing power of ngultrum has dropped by 6.93 per cent since August last year due to the price increase in the economy.
Tshering Zam
