By Suleman Chitera
Malawi’s inflation rate fell to 27.9 percent in November from 29.1 percent in October, the National Statistics Office (NSO) has announced.
In its latest report released on Tuesday, the NSO says the decline reflects a slight slowdown in the rate at which prices of goods and services are increasing.
Despite the drop, consumer rights groups say the figures do not reflect the reality faced by ordinary Malawians. Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito said the easing of inflation has not brought any tangible relief, as prices of basic commodities continue to rise on the market.
Kapito explained that while inflation may be slowing, it does not mean prices are going down. Instead, he said, consumers are still paying more for essential goods such as food, transport and household items, putting continued pressure on already stretched household incomes.
He added that the persistent high cost of living remains a major concern, particularly for low-income earners, and called for policies that will translate economic indicators into real benefits for consumers.
The November inflation figures come at a time when many Malawians are grappling with rising expenses, highlighting the gap between official statistics and everyday experiences in the marketplace.
