May retail inflation at 4.75 percent, lowest in 12 month

Retail inflation (consumer Price Index) has declined in the month of May. According to the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Wednesday, the inflation in May has come down to a 12-month low of 4.75 percent. Earlier in April, the inflation was at 4.83 percent. At the same time, in the same period a year ago in May 2023, this figure was 4.31 percent. The decline in inflation in the month of May has been seen due to the lower fuel prices. However, food prices are still high.

Slight decline in food inflation

Food inflation may have declined in May. But, vegetables and pulses still remain expensive. Food inflation has come down from 8.75 percent in April to 8.62 percent. Whereas, the food inflation recorded in May 2023 last year was at 2.96 percent. Vegetables became 27.8 percent more expensive in May while food grain price rose by 8.69 percent, pulses prices rose by 17.14 percent. 

Inflation rate below 5 percent in three consecutive months

According to NSO data, in May the biggest decline has been in the category of spices on an annual basis as compared to April 2024. After this, inflation in the category of clothes, shoes, home and other things has come down as compared to the previous month. At the same time, the inflation rate has remained below 5 percent continuously in the last three months. Inflation rate has decreased continuously since February 2024. It was 5.1 percent in February, while it came down to 4.8 percent in April 2024. At the same time, this figure has reached 4.75 percent in May.