The Essential Commodity Price Index (ECPI) for Malé fell marginally by 0.98% in October 2025, according to data released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS). While technically a decline, the movement is too small to offer tangible relief for most consumers, reflecting only a mild easing in food prices.
Food prices, which make up more than 70% of the ECPI basket, dropped by 1.49% from September. The fall was mainly driven by fruits and vegetables, with fruit prices down 7.94% and vegetables down 0.98%. These declines were partly offset by slight increases in sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (+1.15%) and milk, dairy products and eggs (+0.38%).
On a year-on-year basis, essential commodity prices were up 1.89% compared to October 2024. Food prices rose by 1.82% over the same period, led by higher fruit and other food product prices, while vegetable prices fell 10.10% year-on-year.
Beverage prices increased modestly both month-on-month (+0.45%) and year-on-year (+2.68%), with notable annual rises in coffee (+8.68%) and fruit juices (+5.67%). Gas and other fuel rose slightly by 0.64% from the previous month but remained 0.83% lower than a year ago.
The ECPI, which tracks prices of 96 essential goods including food, beverages, fuel, and personal care products, is designed to serve as an early indicator of inflation trends. Despite October’s mild easing, overall prices remain higher than a year ago, suggesting that household budgets have yet to see meaningful relief from inflationary pressures.
