Consumer inflation triples to 6.34 percent in mid-September

Consumer price inflation surged significantly to reach 6.34 percent by mid-September of the current financial year. This figure represents a threefold increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, when the rate was recorded at 1.87 percent. The data was published in a recent document released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Thursday, detailing the economic and financial indicators for the review period between mid-August and mid-September of Fiscal Year 2026/27. The central bank noted that the upward pressure on prices was largely driven by increases in the food and beverage category, alongside supply chain disruptions triggered by recent floods and landslides. Specifically, inflation for food and beverages climbed to 5.69 percent during the month. In stark contrast, the same category experienced a decline of 1.34 percent during the matching timeframe of the prior financial year, highlighting a notable shift in market prices across the country. The findings were made public via the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal, issued by the central banking institution. Officials highlighted that these weather events and subsequent blockages heavily impacted supply routes, creating severe challenges for transportation and distribution networks. As a result, the overall cost of living indices registered sharp upward movements across multiple sectors compared to figures from twelve months prior.