The Maldives Bureau of Statistics reported that the Essential Commodities Price Index (ECPI) for Malé rose to 114.82 in August 2025, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 1.19% and a year-on-year rise of 1.92%.
Food prices were the main driver of the increase, climbing 1.62% from July. Fruits registered the sharpest monthly rise at 6.13%, followed by vegetables at 2.23%. These gains were partially offset by a 0.78% decline in meat prices. On an annual basis, food prices rose by 1.96%, with fruits up 10.20% and oils and fats increasing by 5.34%, while vegetables fell by 6.32%.
Beverages saw a modest monthly decline of 0.23%, largely due to lower prices for coffee and tea. However, compared to August 2024, beverage prices rose by 1.58%, with coffee up 8.22% and fruit and vegetable juices increasing by 6.97%.
The personal care category registered a 0.38% increase in August, bringing the year-on-year rise to 4.33%. Gas and other fuels showed no monthly change, though prices were down 1.46% compared with the same month last year.
The ECPI, which tracks a weighted basket of 96 essential goods including food, beverages, fuel, and personal care products, acts as an early warning system for price movements. Food continues to hold the highest weight in the index at 71%, underscoring its role in shaping inflation trends.
