The national consumer price index rose by 0.3 percent in April compared to the previous month and by 8.6 percent year-on-year, according to the data released by the National Statistics Office on May 12. Although inflation remains elevated, the monthly increase marked the smallest rise in the past seven months, indicating a potential slowing of price momentum.
The inflation rate, which stood at 5.7 percent in April 2024, rose by 2.9 percentage points over the year to reach 8.6 percent in April 2025. The increase was largely attributed to rising costs in several key categories, with services seeing the steepest annual jump at 17 percent, followed by non-food products at 9.4 percent. Food prices rose 6.8 percent over the year, while goods increased by six percent.
Imported goods, excluding gasoline and fuel, contributed 2.6 percentage points to the overall inflation figure, accounting for 29.8 percent of the total increase. Meanwhile, domestic goods, excluding meat and solid fuels, were responsible for five percentage points, or 58.1 percent, of the annual inflation. Food, beverages and water prices alone accounted for 1.9 percentage points, or 22.3 percent, of the nationwide increase.
Driving the annual rise were notable surges in the cost of housing, utilities and fuels, which climbed by 21.7 percent. Educational services jumped by 18.2 percent, while hotel, catering and accommodation prices rose 16.7 percent. Clothing and footwear prices increased by 9.1 percent, and household furnishings went up by 6.5 percent. The food and beverage category also saw a notable rise of 6.9 percent, with non-alcoholic beverages jumping 10.5 percent year-on-year.
On a monthly basis, the modest 0.3 percent increase in April was primarily driven by rising food and beverage prices, which climbed by 0.9 percent, along with a 0.7 percent increase in housing and utility costs. Insurance and financial services posted a sharp monthly rise of 3.9 percent, contributing further upward pressure to consumer costs.

Published Date:2025-05-14