National inflation hits 3.6% in April

Prices countrywide measured by National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) rose 3.6 percent in the 12 months to April, accelerating from 2.9 percent in March, due to price increases of both food and non-food categories, the Central Bank said.

The April food inflation from 12 months ago was negative 1.2 percent while non-food inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month to 7.5 percent.The change in the NCPI measured on an annual average basis increased to 1.9 percent in April 2019 from 1.7 percent in March 2019. 

When the monthly change is considered, the NCPI increased by 0.7 percent in April 2019 with increases observed in the prices of the items in both food and non-food categories. 

Within the food category, prices of vegetables, milk powder, potatoes, fresh fish, limes and big onions recorded notable increases. 

Consequently, within the non-food category, prices of the items in alcoholic beverages and tobacco, transport, miscellaneous goods & services, health and clothing and footwear sub-categories increased during the month. 

The core inflation, which reflects the underlying inflation in the economy, increased to 6.3 percent in April from 12 months ago, compared to 5.8 percent in March.

Annual average NCPI core inflation also increased to 3.7 percent in April from 3.3 percent in March 2019.