Inflation in Bangladesh rose above 9% again in April, adding fresh pressure on middle- and lower-income households amid rising living costs.
The latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics showed point-to-point inflation increased to 9.04% in April, up from 8.71% in March.
The rise follows a recent hike in fuel prices, which economists say has pushed up transport and production costs, feeding into overall inflation.
On April 19, the government increased fuel prices significantly. Diesel rose to Tk115 per litre from Tk100, kerosene to Tk130 from Tk112, octane to Tk140 from Tk120, and petrol to Tk135 from Tk116.
Such increases typically raise the cost of goods and services across the board, as higher transport and input costs are passed on to consumers.
According to BBS data, food inflation edged up to 8.39% in April from 8.24% in March. Non-food inflation rose more sharply to 9.57% from 9.09%.
Inflation increased in both rural and urban areas.
In rural areas, overall inflation stood at 9.05% in April, compared to 8.72% in March. In urban areas, it rose to 9.02% from 8.68% a month earlier.
Market trends also reflect the pressure. Vegetable prices have increased by Tk10–15 per kg in the past two weeks, while fish and meat prices have also gone up. Rice prices, however, remained relatively stable.
Economists say the impact is more severe as income growth is failing to keep pace with rising prices.
Average wage growth stood at 8.16% in April, lower than the inflation rate. This means real incomes are declining, reducing purchasing power.
As a result, many households are struggling to manage daily expenses. Families are either cutting spending on essentials such as food, clothing and transport or relying on borrowing to cope.
Inflation has remained above 9% in five of the last six months, indicating persistent price pressure in the economy.
Analysts warn that unless inflation is brought under control and income growth improves, financial stress on fixed- and middle-income groups is likely to intensify further.