In brief
The Lao Statistics Bureau reported inflation at 7.7 percent in October, down from 7.8 percent in September. The increase was led by sharp price hikes in housing utilities, electricity, and food items. The Central Bank’s goal is to keep inflation below 7 percent in 2026 to maintain stability of the kip.
Laos recorded an inflation rate of 7.7 percent in October, dipped from 7.8 percent in September, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau’s latest report released Monday.
The rise was driven mainly by higher costs for electricity, fuel, beef, poultry, fish, and seasonal goods. The biggest jump occurred in the housing, water, electricity and gas category, which climbed 29.6 percent.
Other notable contributors to the higher inflation included education at 16 percent, communications and transport at 13 percent, and medical care and medicines at 10.3 percent.
The Lao central bank has set a target to keep average inflation below seven percent in 2026, aiming to preserve macroeconomic stability, strengthen confidence in the Lao kip, and support sustainable economic growth.
