Prices significantly increased by end of October compared to previous year
The Maldives is experiencing a concerning inflation surge with commodity prices climbing 1.89% in Malé City compared to last year, hitting residents' wallets hardest through soaring costs of fruits (up 6.94%), coffee (up 8.68%), and household essentials.
Overall inflation in Malé City market increased by 1.89 percent in October compared to the same period last year
Cans of Nescafé gold arranged neatly on the shelf of a supermarket
The Maldives Bureau of Statistics has reported a significant rise in commodity prices by the end of October compared to the same period last year.
According to the Consumer Price Index released on November 10, overall inflation in the Malé City market has increased by 1.89 percent compared to October of last year.
Month-to-month food prices (September to October 2025) fell by 1.49 percent, with notable decreases in fruit varieties at 7.94 percent and vegetable products at 0.98 percent.
In contrast, prices rose for sugar, jam, honey, chocolate, and confectionery by 1.15 percent, while milk, other dairy products, and eggs increased by 0.38 percent.
When comparing October this year with October last year, food prices rose by 1.82 percent, with the sharpest increases in fruit varieties at 6.94 percent and in other food products.
Beverage prices increased by 0.45 percent in October compared to September, driven by a 0.65 percent rise in tea leaves, coffee, and coffee substitutes. Year-on-year, beverage prices climbed by 2.68 percent, with the largest increases in coffee and coffee substitutes at 8.68 percent and fruit and vegetable juices at 5.67 percent.
Gas and other fuel prices rose by 0.64 percent in October compared to September. However, year-on-year, these prices fell by 0.83 percent.
Personal care product prices increased by 0.18 percent in October compared to September, while cleaning product prices rose by 2.99 percent year-on-year.
