If you have been feeling a pinch in your pockets in the past few months, the rising prices of goods and services may probably be the reason. Latest inflation numbers from the National Statistics Bureau show year-on-year inflation for September has crossed the five per cent mark. This means consumers are paying over five per cent more for the same commodities and services this year compared to the same month last year.
The Consumer Price Index or CPI is a measure of average price change in the basket of goods and services purchased by households over time.
The year-on-year CPI in September shows prices for both food and non-food items increased by 6.05% and 4.18% respectively.
The NSB’s monthly CPI report shows that in the past 12 months, prices for all categories of goods and services increased except for transport, which decreased by 1.30%.
According to the NSB, prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.08%.
On the other hand, alcoholic beverages and betel nuts saw a price increase of 5.64%.
Meanwhile, the value of ngultrum continues to depreciate. The purchasing power of ngultrum is 57 as of September 2023 compared to December 2012 prices. This means an item that could be purchased at Nu 57 in December 2012 costs Nu 100 as of September this year.
The purchasing power of ngultrum decreased by 4.79% in the last one year due to price increases in the economy.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Sherub Dorji
