Inflation eases in Dec, food inflation remains high at 12.92%

Inflation in Bangladesh showed a marginal decline in December 2024. The general point-to-point inflation rate at the national level dropped to 10.89%, down from 11.38% in November, marking a decrease of 0.49 percentage points.

Despite the overall reduction, food inflation remains high at 12.92%, meaning consumers are spending 12.92 taka more for every 100 taka worth of food compared to December last year.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), while inflation eased in December compared to November, it has risen year-on-year. In December 2023, inflation was 9.41%, showing a 1.48 percentage point increase in December 2024.

Sector-wise breakdown

Food inflation

December 2024: 12.92%

November 2024: 13.80%

December 2023: 9.58%

Although food inflation decreased by 0.88 percentage points from November, it remains significantly higher than the previous year.

Non-food inflation

December 2024: 9.26%

November 2024: 9.39%

December 2023: 8.52%

Non-food inflation also experienced a slight decline of 0.13 percentage points month-on-month but increased year-on-year by 0.74 percentage points.

While the easing of inflation offers slight relief, the high food inflation continues to pressure consumers. The data highlights persistent challenges in stabilising prices, especially for essentials. Policymakers are urged to focus on reducing supply chain disruptions and ensuring affordability for basic commodities to sustain a downward trend in inflation.