Consumer price inflation in Nepal climbed to 4.47 percent in mid-April 2026, up from 3.39 percent during the same period last year. The sharp rise in petroleum prices significantly contributed to the increase in overall market prices.
Petrol prices, which stood at Rs 157 per litre before the US-Iran tensions, have surged to Rs 217, while diesel prices increased from Rs 142 to Rs 225 per litre.
According to the “Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal” published by Nepal Rastra Bank, food and beverage inflation reached 4.01 percent, while non-food and service inflation rose to 4.72 percent during the review month. In the corresponding period last year, these categories had recorded inflation rates of 2.45 percent and 3.90 percent respectively.
Within the food and beverage category, the highest year-on-year price increases were recorded in ghee and oil (12.87 percent), fruits (11.67 percent), and vegetables (9.18 percent). Meanwhile, prices of pulses and legumes fell by 2.78 percent, cereal grains and related products declined by 1.68 percent, and spices dropped by 1.64 percent.
In the non-food and services category, miscellaneous goods and services recorded the steepest increase at 19.94 percent, followed by transportation at 12.03 percent, education at 7.46 percent, alcoholic beverages at 4.77 percent, and clothes and footwear at 4.73 percent.
Inflation in rural areas rose by 3.71 percent, while urban areas experienced a higher increase of 4.74 percent.
Province-wise, inflation rates stood at 4.98 percent in Koshi Province, 4.91 percent in Madhesh Province, 4.20 percent in Bagmati Province, 3.85 percent in Gandaki Province, 5.15 percent in Lumbini Province, 3.82 percent in Karnali Province, and 3.39 percent in Sudurpashchim Province.
Despite the recent increase, the average inflation rate during the first nine months of the current fiscal year remained significantly lower than last year. The NRB reported that nine-month average consumer inflation stood at 2.39 percent at the end of the third quarter, compared to 4.57 percent during the same period a year earlier.
