Headline inflation increased to 7.6 percent in October from 5.7 percent in September 2021. This was driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Nonfood categories. Subsequently, Food inflation (Yo-Y) increased to 12.8 per cent in October 2021 from 10.0 percent in September 2021, while Nonfood inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 5.4 percent in October 2021 from 3.8 percent in September 2021.
The CCPI, measured on an annual average basis, increased to 4.8 per cent in October 2021 from 4.5 per cent in September 2021.
Monthly change of CCPI recorded at 1.94 percent in October 2021 due to price increases observed in items of both Food and Non-food categories. Monthly changes of Food and Non-food categories recorded at 0.91 percent and 1.03 percent.
Within the Food category, prices of rice, milk powder, coconut and fresh fish increased. Prices of items in the Non-Food category recorded increases mainly due to price increases observed in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (LP gas, maintenance and reconstruction) and Restaurant and Hotels sub-categories during the month.
The core inflation (Y-o-Y), which reflects the underlying inflation in the economy, increased to 6.3 percent in October 2021 from 5.0 percent in September 2021. Annual average core inflation increased to 3.6 percent in October 2021 from 3.3 percent in September 2021.