According to the October 2014 Monthly Bulletin released by the Zambian Central Statistical Office (CSO), the country’s annual inflation rate increased from 7.8% in September to 7.9% in October.
The 7.9% refers to the Zambia Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes over time in the general level of prices of goods and services that households acquire for the purpose of consumption, with reference to the price level in 2009 (base year 2009 =100).
Between October 2013 and October 2014, the annual rate of inflation increased for food and non-alcoholic beverages; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; health; and education.
The annual rate of inflation decreased for alcoholic beverages and tobacco; clothing and footwear; transport; recreation and culture; and restaurant and hotel.
The annual rate of inflation remained the same for furnishing household equipment, routine house maintenance; communication; and miscellaneous goods and services.
The annual food inflation rate was recorded at 7.1%, increasing by 0.2% compared to September 2014, while the annual non-food inflation rate remained the same at 8.8%.
The total monthly inflation rate decreased from 0.2% in September 2014 to 0.1% in October 2014.
The monthly food inflation rate for October 2014 was recorded at 0.0% compared to 0.2% in September 2014; while the monthly non-food inflation rate for October 2014 was 0.2% compared to 0.3% in Septeber 2014.
