Inflation rises to 9.04% in April

Bangladesh’s inflation rose to 9.04% in April 2026, up from 8.71% in March, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). However, the rate remained slightly lower than the 9.17% recorded in April last year.
The uptick reflects persistent cost pressures in both food and non-food categories amid continued volatility in global energy markets driven by geopolitical tensions, including the impact of the United States–Israel conflict with Iran.
Economists say the situation has added pressure to global oil supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to instability in international oil prices. This has increased import costs for fuel in countries like Bangladesh, feeding into domestic price rises.
The rise in inflation was driven by broad-based increases across both food and non-food sectors. Food inflation climbed to 8.39% from 8.24%, while non-food inflation rose more sharply to 9.57% from 9.09%, indicating sustained pressure on household budgets, particularly for essential services and commodities.
Inflation trends showed a slight rural–urban divide. Rural areas recorded an inflation rate of 9.05%, compared to 9.02% in urban areas. Rural non-food inflation reached 9.81%, higher than urban non-food inflation at 9.15%, suggesting 
stronger cost pressures outside major cities.
Food prices also remained elevated across both regions, with rural food inflation at 8.23% and urban food inflation at 8.81%, indicating widespread price increases nationwide.
On the income side, wage growth continued but remained modest compared to inflation. The national Wage Rate Index rose to 8.16% in April from 8.09% in March, reflecting gradual earnings growth that is still lagging behind rising living costs.
Sector-wise, wage increases were recorded at 8.19% in agriculture, 8.09% in industry, and 8.31% in services, showing relatively uniform but slow improvement across key sectors.
Despite the monthly rise, the 12-month moving average inflation showed signs of easing, suggesting some stabilisation in longer-term price trends. However, economists note that the gap between wage growth and inflation continues to strain real incomes, particularly for lower- and middle-income households.