Inflation jumps to 9.42% in May as food, non-food prices surge
Concurrently, the non-food sector registered even higher price pressures, with non-food inflation accelerating to 9.71% in May
The country's overall inflation continued its upward trajectory, as the point-to-point inflation rate rose to 9.42% in May, up from 9.04% recorded in April.
According to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) today (7 June), the current inflationary rate also stands higher compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, when the inflation rate was registered at 9.05% in May last year.
The monthly statistical update from the state-run bureau reveals a broad-based increase in living costs, with price pressures intensifying across both food and non-food categories during May.
Food inflation experienced a sharp increase, climbing to 9.06% in May from 8.39% in April. Food price growth also outpaced the figures from a year ago, which stood at 8.59% in May 2025.
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Concurrently, the non-food sector registered even higher price pressures, with non-food inflation accelerating to 9.71% in May.
This reflects a steady increase from the 9.57% reported in April, as well as an increase from the 9.42% recorded in May last year.
'Inflation unlikely to ease'
Mustafa K Mujeri, executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM), said that given the current economic realities, the risk of the upward trend in inflation continuing remains high.
"The impact of the price hikes in fuel oil and electricity is directly affecting all sectors. When fuel prices rise, transportation costs increase, which impacts every stage from product production to supply.
"As a result, the prices of all products, from food items to daily essentials, are increasing," he added.
Additionally, the InM chief added that recent floods have caused damage to the agricultural sector, particularly in the production of vegetables and paddy. This has disrupted the supply chain, further driving up prices in the market, he stated.
On the other hand, he believes that the rise in consumption demand centred around Eid has also created inflation pressure. During this time, the increase in remittance, bonuses, and additional income expands the flow of cash in people's hands, which increases consumer spending, he noted.
Consequently, while demand increases, supply does not grow at the same rate, accelerating inflation, he added.
Mustafa said, "Pressure has been created from both sides -- demand and supply. Natural disasters, rising fuel prices, transportation costs, and political-economic uncertainty, altogether are driving up inflation."
He warned that this pressure is unlikely to ease in the coming months. With the monsoon season ahead, the situation could worsen if there are fresh floods or natural disasters, he said.
