The burden of rising prices on consumers continues unabated, with inflationary pressures intensifying across the country.
According to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the national point-to-point inflation rate rose to 9.42 per cent in May from 9.04 per cent in April, marking the highest level in 16 months.
The updated inflation figures were published by the BBS on Sunday, highlighting a continued upward trend in the cost of living.
An analysis of the data shows that inflation remains higher than the level recorded during the same period last year. In May 2025, the overall inflation rate stood at 9.05 per cent, indicating that price pressures have worsened over the past year.
According to the BBS report, inflation increased in both the food and non-food sectors during May.
Food inflation rose to 9.06 per cent in May from 8.39 per cent in April. During the corresponding month of last year, food inflation was 8.59 per cent. The latest figures suggest that the prices of essential commodities, including rice, lentils, edible oil and other daily necessities, have continued to rise, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Meanwhile, non-food inflation also registered an increase. The rate reached 9.71 per cent in May, compared with 9.57 per cent in April 2026. A year earlier, in May 2025, non-food inflation stood at 9.42 per cent.
The latest statistics indicate that persistent price increases in both food and non-food categories continue to weigh heavily on consumers, despite expectations of easing inflationary pressures.
UNB adds: Meanwhile, the national wage rate growth stood at 8.21 per cent on a point-to-point basis in May, marginally higher than 8.16 per cent recorded in April and unchanged from May 2025.
Sector-wise, wage growth in agriculture, industry and services was recorded at 8.22 per cent, 8.15 per cent and 8.36 per cent respectively in May.
In April, the corresponding rates were 8.19 per cent, 8.09 per cent and 8.31 per cent, while in May last year they were 8.43 per cent, 7.90 per cent and 8.45 per cent respectively.
