KPL
Laos' inflation rate in the first quarter of 2026 was 7 percent, down sharply from the 13.1 percent recorded in the same period last year, according to Ministry of Finance.
The figures were presented during a meeting on Tuesday to review progress on the national socio-economic development plan and the state budget, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane, according to a report on Wednesday.
In the first quarter of 2026, the highest price rise was recorded in the goods and services category, which stood at 36.3 percent. This was followed by the cost of housing, water, electricity and gas category, which stood at 21.8 percent, and the medical care and medicines category at 13.5 percent.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Santiphab emphasized the need to reinforce economic independence to safeguard fiscal stability and build reserves to address future risks from both domestic and external factors.
KPL
