VIENTIANE, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Laos' inflation rate rose to 7.9 percent in September, up from 7.7 percent in August and 7.6 percent in July, driven mainly by higher fuel prices, adjustments to education-related goods and services for the new academic year, and seasonal price fluctuations.
According to a report released by the Lao Statistics Bureau on Tuesday, the highest price rise in September was recorded in the housing, water, electricity and gas category, which rose 30.7 percent.
Other categories driving inflation included the education category at 18.8 percent, followed by the goods and services category at 17.9 percent, and the communications and transport category at 13.6 percent.
The Lao central bank aims to keep average inflation below 7 percent in 2026 through measures to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen confidence in the Lao kip, and support sustainable economic growth. ■
