Thursday, March 28, 2024

Inflation in seven-year high, hits 15.8 per cent – Report

Latest developments in the oil and gas sector, especially in the downstream sector, has pushed the country’s inflation rate to 15.6 per cent, the highest since 2009. The growth in inflation has been attributed to the deregulation of the downstream sector, which is also connected to the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit from N87 to N145 per litre.

The National Bureau of Statistics in the Consumer Price Index report, which was released on Tuesday, revealed that the rate of inflation rose by 1.9 per cent from 13.7 per cent in April to 15.6 per cent in May. The last time Nigeria recorded an inflation rate as high as the 15.6 per cent was in September 2009 when the rate of inflation was put at 15.86 per cent by the NBS.

Since 2009, the country had been experiencing a downward trend in the rate of inflation before a sudden resurgence within the last five months.

The NBS said the increase in inflation rate in May when compared to what was recorded in April is an indication of an overall rise in general price level across the economy as all divisions, which contributed to the Headline index, are growing at a faster pace

For instance, the NBS report stated that during the month of May, the highest increases were seen in road transport, kerosene, fuels and lubricants and vehicle spare parts.

“In May, the Consumer Price Index that measures inflation recorded a relatively strong increase for the fourth consecutive month. The Headline index increased by 15.6 per cent year-on-year, 1.9 per cent points higher from rates recorded in April 13.7 per cent. Year on year, electricity  rates as well as other energy prices continue to manifest as key drivers of the core component of the CPI,” the report indicated..

It also revealed that during the month, the highest increases were seen in the passenger transport by road, liquid fuel (kerosene), fuel and lubricants for personal transport equipment (premium motor spirit) and vehicle spare parts groups.

 

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