Vientiane: Laos' inflation rate reached 7 percent in the first quarter of 2026. The figures were presented during a meeting on Tuesday aimed at reviewing progress on the national socio-economic development plan and the state budget. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane.
According to Lao News Agency, the goods and services category experienced the highest price rise, standing at 36.3 percent. This was followed by the cost of housing, water, electricity, and gas, which saw a 21.8 percent increase, while the medical care and medicines category rose by 13.5 percent.
During the meeting, Mr. Santiphab emphasized the necessity of reinforcing economic independence to ensure fiscal stability. He also highlighted the importance of building reserves to address future risks that could arise from both domestic and external factors.