Laos' May inflation rate hits highest level in 18 years

The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.2 per cent month-on-month and 8.2 per cent year-on-year. -VT

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The inflation rate in Laos climbed to its highest level in 18 years last month, with prices rising by 12.8 per cent from a year ago, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.

The fuel crisis, with petrol stations across the country running dry, and the continuing depreciation of the kip are among the main factors driving inflation.