NCPI-based inflation decreases in September 2021

Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI, 2013=100)1, decreased to 6.2 per cent in September 2021 from 6.7 per cent in August 2021. This decline was entirely due to the statistical effect of the high base prevailed in September 2020. Meanwhile, Food inflation (Y-o-Y) decreased to 10.0 per cent in September 2021 from 11.1 per cent in August 2021, while Non-Food inflation (Y-o-Y) remained unchanged at 3.0 per cent in September 2021.

The NCPI, measured on an annual average basis, remained unchanged at 5.5 per cent in September 2021.

Monthly change of NCPI recorded at 0.25 per cent in September 2021 due to increases observed in prices of items in both Food and Non-food categories. Moreover, monthly changes of Food and Non-food categories recorded at 0.07 per cent and 0.18 per cent, respectively. Accordingly, within the Food category, prices of dhal, big onions and fresh fish increased whereas, prices of rice, vegetables and sugar recorded declines. Moreover, increase observed in Non-Food category was mainly due to price increases recorded in the Furnishing, household equipment and routine household maintenance (Furniture and Furnishing), Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Arecanuts), Health (Purchase of medical/ pharmacy products) and Education (International School fees: primary and secondary) sub-categories during the month.

Further, year-on-year core inflation increased to 4.8 per cent in September 2021 from 4.7 per cent in August 2021, while annual average core inflation remained unchanged for the sixth consecutive month at 4.4 per cent in September 2021.

1The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI, 2013=100) is compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics.