- Representational photo: Laos Travel
VIENTIANE: Laos' annual average inflation rate dropped to 7.7 per cent in 2025, down from 23.1 per cent in 2024, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau.
According to the latest report from the Lao Statistic Bureau on Tuesday (Dec 30), the highest price rise was recorded in the housing, water, electricity and gas category, which stood at 19.5 per cent.
This was followed by the cost of the goods and services category at 19.1 per cent, the cost of the medical care and medicines category at 17 per cent, and the education category at 13.6 per cent.
The Lao government is implementing strategies to curb rising prices by boosting local production, reducing imports, and supporting businesses financially.
Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen mechanisms to address ongoing economic challenges, promote domestic production for both local consumption and export, and curb the outflow of foreign currency, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said during the 10th ordinary session of the Lao National Assembly's ninth legislature in November.
The government will also take steps to boost foreign exchange reserves to ease inflation and stabilise the exchange rate.
Additionally, it aims to promote the use of the kip and banking transactions while closely monitoring market prices to keep them under control.
In 2024, Laos' annual average inflation reached 23.1 per cent, with medical care and medicine prices rising the most at 33.8 per cent. - Xinhua
