Inflation in the Maldives picked up in February, according to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, with rising food and utility prices pushing up the overall cost of living despite weak annual price growth.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.67 percent compared to January, reversing the decline recorded in the previous month. However, on an annual basis, prices rose by just 0.04 percent, indicating that overall inflation remains subdued.
The monthly increase was largely driven by food and beverage prices, which rose by 1.94 percent. Price increases were particularly evident in fruits and staple food items, including oranges, limes, carrots, and fish products. Electricity prices also recorded a notable increase of over 4 percent, contributing to higher costs in the housing and utilities category.
Fish prices, a significant component of household expenditure, rose by 2.51 percent, reflecting increases in the cost of reef fish, smoked fish, and tuna. These increases were partially offset by declines in some processed fish items.
At the same time, certain categories helped contain overall inflation. Transport costs fell by 0.44 percent, largely due to lower international airfares, while communication costs declined slightly due to reduced mobile service prices. Personal care items also recorded minor price decreases.
Regional trends showed variation in price movements. Inflation in Malé stood at 0.49 percent for the month, while the atolls recorded a higher increase of 0.94 percent, suggesting stronger price pressures outside the capital. In both areas, food remained the primary contributor to rising prices.
Over the past year, price increases have remained limited. Food and beverage prices rose modestly, while housing and utilities recorded an overall decline, contributing to the low annual inflation rate. This suggests that while households are experiencing short-term increases in specific categories, broader inflationary pressures across the economy remain contained.
The data indicates that recent price movements are being driven by sector-specific factors rather than a generalised rise in costs, with food and energy continuing to play a central role in shaping inflation trends.
