These kip notes have gained slightly in value.

Inflation rate dips to 7.7 percent in October

Inflation edged down to 7.7 percent in October compared to 7.8 percent in September, but rising electricity, fuel and food prices continue to put pressure on household budgets.
According to data released by the National Statistics Centre this week, the slight decline in inflation does not mean that the cost of living has fallen, as the prices of many goods and services are higher than a year ago.
Housing, water, electricity and cooking fuel recorded the highest price increases, rising by 29.6 percent year-on-year.
Education costs increased by 16 percent, followed by transportation and entertainment at 13 percent, health and medicine at 10.3 percent, rice and tobacco at 9.2 percent, and restaurants and hotels at 8.4 percent.
Higher prices for electricity, fuel, beef, poultry, fish and seasonal produce were among the main factors driving inflation in October.
Compared with the same month last year, electricity prices were up by 28 percent and fuel prices surged by 67.1 percent. The price of beef increased by 3.8 percent, chicken by 6.6 percent, and fish by 2.4 percent.
Meanwhile, the price of bananas rose by 15.4 percent, mangoes by 7.3 percent, onions by 6.3 percent, and lettuce by 6 percent.
Despite these increases, average inflation in the first 10 months of 2026 was recorded at 7.9 percent, below the 8.3 percent reported during the same period last year.
Laos is on track to record an inflation rate of 7.4 to 7.8 percent over the whole of 2026, but this exceeds the target figure approved by the National Assembly, mainly due to a sharp rise in energy prices, according to a government report delivered at the National Assembly earlier this month.
The government plans to seek additional fuel sources to reduce dependence on a single supplier, while promoting alternative energy and greater use of electric vehicles, in line with Prime Minister’s Order No. 40/PM.
Market vendors say higher costs have contributed to the rising price of meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and other everyday essentials.
At Khamsavath Market in Vientiane, a middle-aged shopper said she regularly visited the market because of its wide selection of fresh produce and convenient location near her home.
“High food prices in the market, as well as fuel and electricity prices, seem to have become the norm and we have adapted to the situation,” she said.
Although inflation eased slightly in October, continued increases in essential expenses remain a concern for households, with energy and food prices likely to remain important factors affecting living costs.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 30, 2026)