Inflation rebounded to 9.04 per cent in April from 8.71 per cent in March as the ongoing Middle East war and higher oil prices pushed up food, transport and production costs, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
Food inflation rose to 8.39 per cent in April from 8.24 per cent in the previous month, while non-food inflation increased to 9.57 per cent from 9.09 per cent.
Wage growth continued to lag inflation for a fourth straight year, highlighting sustained pressure on low and middle-income households.
The wage rate index grew by 8.16 per cent in April, slightly higher than 8.09 per cent in March, but remained below overall inflation.
Rural inflation increased to 9.05 per cent from 8.72 per cent, led by rising food and non-food prices.
Food inflation in rural areas climbed to 8.23 per cent from 8.02 per cent.
Urban inflation also rose to 9.02 per cent from 8.68 per cent in March.
Food inflation in urban areas edged up to 8.81 per cent from 8.78 per cent, while non-food inflation rose sharply to 9.15 per cent from 8.62 per cent.
All major inflation indicators, however, remained lower than the levels recorded in April last year.
Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO M Masrur Reaz said inflation had started easing earlier this year before geopolitical tensions and fuel market disruptions reversed the trend.
He said the recent oil price hike contributed to higher production and transportation costs, adding further pressure on consumer prices.
“The Middle East situation, without any sign of stabilisation, is unlikely to calm down the oil market immediately,” he said.
He urged the government to strengthen the supply of essential commodities to prevent further price increases.
Reaz also said continued wage growth below inflation was weakening the purchasing power of low and middle-income families.
He added that any government support programme should be properly targeted towards deserving households.
