Inflation has continued to rise over the past four months due to increased prices of food and fish, according to data released by the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.

According to the inflation report for July and August, prices remained stable in most sectors during the two months. Prices also decreased in some areas.

Inflation rose in July mainly due to high prices of fish and vegetables. Overall inflation rose 0.10 percent in July, while fish prices rose two percent. The biggest price increases were in dried fish and tuna.

Inflation rose in August due to higher prices of fish, fruits and vegetables. Overall food prices, including fish, rose 1.24 percent during the month and overall inflation stood at 0.19 percent.

On a year-on-year basis, inflation stood at 1.43 percent from August last year to August this year. This is lower than the previously predicted rate due to the postponement of targeted subsidies and Aasandha reforms to next year.

The central bank and the Finance Ministry had previously estimated that inflation would be between three percent and five percent this year if the reforms were introduced.