BPS: Bengkulu Inflation Under Control in H1, but Price Vigilance Needed

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - The Bengkulu Provincial Central Statistics Agency (BPS) stated that inflation in Bengkulu from January to June 2026 was recorded as being under control at 1.77 per cent (year-to-date), but reminded that efforts to control commodity prices need to be strengthened in the second half of the year. “Our January to June inflation is still 1.77 per cent, but we still have six months to go. If it is not maintained, it could exceed the target. Hopefully, if we manage price fluctuations, we will stay within the target,” said Head of BPS Bengkulu Province Win Rizal in Bengkulu on Wednesday. According to him, although inflation in June was lower than the previous month, the condition still indicates a price increase, so inflation control must not be neglected. He explained that the inflation achievement in the first half of 2026 cannot yet guarantee a low annual inflation rate, as the remaining six months will influence the development of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Win stated that if the inflation rate in the second half follows the same pattern as the first half, annual inflation could potentially exceed the upper limit of the national inflation target. He noted that Bengkulu’s year-on-year inflation was recorded at 3.98 per cent, which is above the national inflation target of 2.5 per cent with a deviation range of plus or minus 1 per cent. Therefore, he said, the local government and all stakeholders need to continue maintaining price stability, especially for commodities that have a significant impact on inflation. In addition to maintaining prices, the local government must also ensure the availability of goods in the market so that price volatility can be suppressed and inflation remains under control until the end of the year. BPS hopes that consistent inflation control efforts can maintain people’s purchasing power while ensuring that Bengkulu’s inflation remains within the national target range by the end of 2026.