Inflation 9.8 pc in first half 2012/13

The inflation rate was recorded to be 9.8 percent in the first half of 2012/13 compared to the 6.8 percent a year ago, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

According to the macro economic situation report published by NRB, the index of food and beverage group increased by 9.6 percent whereas non-food and services group increased by 10.2 percent during mid-December-mid-January 2013 while these indices had increased by 4.0 percent and 9.0 percent respectively in the corresponding month of the previous year.

Region-wise, the price indices increased by 11.2 percent in Terai followed by 9.0 percent in hill and 8.7 percent in Kathmandu Valley in the review month while these increments were 5.4 percent, 9.2 percent and 6.6 percent respectively in the corresponding month of the previous year, says the central bank report.

Similarly, the wholesale price index increased by 9.1 percent during the review month compared to a rise of 3.2 percent in the corresponding month of the previous year.

A higher rate of growth in prices of agricultural items and imported goods accounted for a significant rise in wholesale price inflation during the review month, said NRB in the report. Nepalnews.com