Zambia’s inflation has risen to 6.8 percent in October from 6.6 percent in September, according to the Central Statistical Office.
Central Statistical Office director John Kalumbi told journalists today that the 0.2 percentage points increase in annual inflation was due to increases in food prices and non-alcoholic beverages.
“On average, the national price of a 25kg bag breakfast mealie meal increased by 0.2 percent to K48, 606 from K48, 528 while a 25kg bag of roller mealie meal increased by 2.5 percent to K35, 038.”
He said a 20 litre tin of maize grain increased to K19, 182 from K18, 115 while a bundle of rape (vegetable) and tomatoes increased to K2, 399 from K2, 658 and K3, 549 from K3, 426, respectively in the period under review.
Kalumbi explained that the annual rate of inflation increased for food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, and electricity while the rate of inflation decreased for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, clothing and footwear.
According to Kalumbi, price increases were more pronounced on the Copperbelt Province.