By Derrick Silimina
The annual inflation for June 2024 has increased to 15.2 percent from 14.7 percent recorded in May, 2024.
In a statement, the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) said this means that on average, prices of goods and services increased by 15.2 percent between June 2023 and June 2024, the development mainly attributed to price movements of both food and non-food items.
ZamStats Statistician General Goodson Sinyenga noted that annual food inflation for June 2024 was recorded at 16.8 percent compared to 16.2 percent in the previous month.
“This means on average, prices of food items increased by 16.8 percent between June 2023 and June 2024 mainly attributed to increases in prices of Bread and Cereals (Breakfast & Roller Mealie Meal, Samp, Rice, Bread, Bread Flour , Friters, Bun, Cassava meal); Fish (Frozen Fish, Buka Buka, Fresh Kapenta, Dried Bream-Medium Sized-Opened, Dried Kapenta Siavonga, Dried Kapenta Chisense); Milk (Fresh Milk, Fresh Milk Super Milk, Condensed Milk, Sour milk); Fruit (Oranges, Lemons, Bananas, Apples, Water Melon, Avocados),” Sinyenga stated.
He further stressed that the annual non-food inflation for June 2024 was recorded at 13.0 percent compared to 12.7 percent.
“This outturn was mainly attributed to increases in prices of non-food items such as Spirits (Scotch Whisky imported, Vodika, Gin); Pharmaceuticals Products (Ampicillin, Aspirin, Paracetamol, Medix cough syrup, No cough ); Other services (Funeral service , Photocopying, Private security services, Hammer milling charge); Paraffin purchases, Diesel, charcoal and Car Insurance.”
