VIENTIANE, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Inflation in Laos increased to 10.2 percent in April, up from 9.7 percent in March, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.
The double-digit inflation rate recorded in April 2026 was primarily driven by ongoing unrest in the Middle East, which disrupted fuel production and transportation, and pushed up prices in both international and domestic markets. At the same time, higher transportation costs led to price adjustments for several goods and services, including garbage collection fees, airline fares, and bus tickets, according to a report released by the bureau on Tuesday.
The highest price rise was recorded in the goods and services category, which stood at 34.4 percent. Other categories driving inflation included the communications and transport category at 23.7 percent, and the housing, water, electricity and gas category at 19.4 percent.
The Lao government is working to strengthen economic independence to safeguard fiscal stability and build reserves to address potential risks from both domestic and external factors. It is also accelerating efforts to promote high-quality, sustainable economic growth, with the aim of building a more independent and self-reliant economy. ■