Inflation jumps to record high in Laos

In Laos, consumer prices surged more than expected over the past seven months, with inflation being recorded at above 5 per cent since December 2021. - VT

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos surged 8.5 per cent in March, even more than expected, and rose to the highest figure recorded since January 2016.

The Covid-19 pandemic, together with volatile fuel prices and the continuing depreciation of the kip, are the main factors driving consumer prices in Laos, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.