Inflation returns to 13-year high

Going up: Fuel prices anchor the costs of nearly every other service in the economy PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Going up: Fuel prices anchor the costs of nearly every other service in the economy PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The rate of increase in the prices of goods and services reached 11.9% in May, the highest level since January 2009, powered by the recent adjustment in fuel pump prices.

Inflation was measured at 9.6 percent in April, having come down from 10% in March and 10.6% in both February and January.

Data released by Statistics Botswana this morning (Wednesday) indicates that the biggest contributor to the latest inflation figure was the transport sector, under which movements in fuel prices are recorded. Retail pump prices of petrol and diesel rose by an average P1.92 on May 13, in the second adjustment of the year after an average P1.33 increase on March 29.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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