April 11: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation increased to 7.44 percent in mid-March 2023 compared to 7.14 percent a year ago.

According to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), food and beverage inflation stood at 5.64 percent whereas non-food and service inflation rose to 8.87 percent in the review month.

Under the food and beverage category, y-o-y price index of cereal grains and their sub-category increased 14.35 percent, restaurant and hotel 14.09 percent, spices 10.88 percent, tobacco products 10.83 percent, and alcoholic drinks 8.78 percent, states the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report published by NRB on Tuesday.

Under the non-food and services category, y-o-y price index of transportation subcategory increased 13.23 percent, health 10.39 percent, housing and utilities 9.72 percent, recreation and culture 8.81 percent, and furnishing and household equipment 8.79 percent.

In the review month, consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu Valley, Terai, hill and mountain areas surged to 7.95 percent, 7.50 percent, 6.67 percent and 8.07 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions were 6.31 percent, 7.36 percent, 7.69 percent and 7.56 percent respectively a year ago, NRB said in the report.