Consumer price inflation rises to 5.22 pc in mid‑June: NRB

KATHMANDU: The year‑on‑year consumer price inflation stood at 5.22% in mid‑June 2026, up from 2.72% a year earlier, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said in its latest macroeconomic report published on Monday.

The central bank said food and beverage inflation was 4.95% and non‑food and service inflation 5.37% in the review month, compared with increases of 0.54% and 3.94% respectively in the same month last year. The central bank said average inflation for the 11th month of the current fiscal year was 2.89%, down from 4.24% a year ago.

Under food and beverage, NRB said the year‑on‑year price index for fruit rose by 17.40%, ghee and oil by 15.10%, meat and fish by 5.26% and vegetables by 4.14%. The pulses and legumes sub‑category fell by 0.93%, the bank said.

In the non‑food and services group, the bank said the year‑on‑year price index increased for miscellaneous goods and services by 16.68%, transportation by 15.31%, alcoholic drinks by 7.20%, education by 5.54% and clothes and footwear by 5.53%.

Price growth in rural areas was 4.78% year‑on‑year in the review month, while urban areas recorded 5.38%, the report said.

By province, NRB said year‑on‑year consumer price inflation in the review month was 5.75% in Koshi, 5.62% in Madhesh, 4.79% in Bagmati, 5.05% in Gandaki, 5.62% in Lumbini, 4.89% in Karnali and 4.61% in Sudurpashchim. Regional figures showed consumer price inflation at 4.98% in the Kathmandu Valley, 5.74% in the Terai, 5.07% in the Hill region and 3.71% in the Mountain region.

The bank said year‑on‑year wholesale price inflation stood at 8.47% in mid‑June 2026, compared with 1.56% a year earlier. Within the wholesale index, consumption goods fell by 1.00%, while intermediate goods and capital goods rose by 14.64% and 4.78%, respectively. The wholesale price index for construction materials increased by 3.09%, NRB said.

NRB noted that consumer price inflation in Nepal was 5.22% in mid‑June 2026, while inflation in India stood at 3.93% in May 2026.