The Consumer Price Index, CPI in April 2022 decreased by 0.3 percent month-on-month compared to March 2022. This was driven by the decrease in Non-Food Index, but was offset by the increase in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index. The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy in its press release stated for year-on-year changes, the CPI edged up by 3.9 percent compared to April 2021.

The rise in the CPI was in line with the rise in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Non Food prices by 4.7 percent and 3.8 percent respectively. The increase in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages was due to the rise in prices of Oil and Fats; Meat; and Fish and Seafood.

The increase in the Non-Food component was driven by Miscellaneous Goods and Services by 16.1 percent; Transport by 5 percent; and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels by 2.2 percent. Miscellaneous Goods and Services prices rose mainly due to the increase in the price of vehicle insurance. Meanwhile, the increase in Transport was mainly due to the increase in motor cars and air fares.

Rising prices of rental for housing as well as maintenance and repair of the dwelling drove up Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels prices. The CPI full report for April 2022 is available from deps.mofe.gov.bn.

Source: Radio Television Brunei