Non-food inflation hits consumers hard

Non-food inflation hit the consumers hard in March this year compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the latest data released on Tuesday.

On a point-to-point basis, the rate of non-food inflation rose to 5.29 per cent this March, up from 3.52 per cent a year back.

Overall inflation in the urban areas also rose to 5.86 per cent in March this year from 5.76 per cent in March last year.

However, general inflation eased slightly to 5.55 per cent this March from 5.68 per cent in March last year.

The government set target to keep inflation within 5.6 per cent in the current fiscal year.

While briefing newsmen after a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), Planning Minister MA Mannan said inflation rose in March due to price hike of fish, meat, vegetables, edible oil, fruits and other food items.

A release on the consumer price index said the cost of textile items, health services and transport also rose this March, raising the rate of inflation.

On a point-to-point basis, overall national wages increased to 6.56 per cent in March this year from 6.38 per cent in March last year.

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