Cost of essential commodities rises compared to last year

The Maldives Bureau of Statistics has reported a year-on-year increase in the Essential Commodities Price Index (ECPI), with prices rising by 1.96 percent in August 2025 compared to the same month last year.

Food prices continue to drive this upward trend, showing a 1.62 percent increase compared to the previous month. The most significant price hikes were seen in fruits, which rose by 10.20 percent, and in oils and fats, which saw a 5.38 percent increase.

While prices for food and beverages saw a slight decline in August compared to July, they still marked a 1.58 percent increase on annual basis, reflecting ongoing inflation in essential goods.

The report also noted that the "personal care" category, including cosmetics and related products, experienced a 4.33 percent price increase compared to August last year.

On a more stable note, prices for cooking gas and oil, key essentials for households, have remained unchanged.

The latest ECPI figures underscore the ongoing pressure on household budgets, driven largely by rising food and personal care costs.