According to National Statistics Bureau, the price of goods and services in the nation rose by 1.34% in October over the same month the previous year. This mean customers had to pay 1.34% more for the identical goods. Inflation was reported to be 1.35% in September of this year, compared to 5.07% in October of previous year. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased significantly during the first nine months of 2024, contributing to an average inflation rate of 3.01%. At Nu 100 in June of current year, the ngultrum’s purchasing power is equivalent to Nu 56.4 at December 2012 values. Prices for food increased dramatically; the food and non-alcoholic beverage sector saw a 5.14% increase.
nflation fell to -1.72% in the non-food category. In October, month-over-month inflation increased to 0.65 percent, mostly due to rising costs for both food and non-food products. In October, Thimphu had the highest month-over-month inflation rate of 1.16% out of the four areas. With a 0.71 percent monthly inflation rate, the eastern region—which includes Mongar, Trashigang, and Samdrupjongkhar—came next. Inflation increased by 0.47% month over month in the western area, which comprises Gasa, Punakha, Thimphu, Wangdue, Haa, Paro, Samtse, and Chukha. Inflation in the central area in October was 0.38%. Last year, food costs increased slightly to 3.97% due to a significant increase in the price of betel nuts and alcoholic drinks, which went up 3.46% points to 4.62%.
