BPS: Prices of staple commodities fall and Bengkulu inflation controlled in April

Inflation in Bengkulu province in April 2026 remained controlled and within the national target range, supported by the availability of staple commodities at better market prices.

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Inflation in Bengkulu province up to April 2026 was recorded as remaining controlled within the national target range, bolstered by the availability of staple commodities with improved prices in the market.

“The inflation situation in Bengkulu in April 2026 is still controlled and within the national target, one of which is supported by the decline in prices of horticultural commodities,” said the Head of the Bengkulu Provincial Statistics Agency (BPS), Win Rizal, in Bengkulu on Monday.

In April 2026, the food, beverages, and tobacco group recorded a deflation of 0.05 per cent or minus 0.05 per cent inflation, triggered by the fall in prices of several staple commodities.

For instance, broiler chicken meat experienced a deflation of 0.18 per cent, red chillies 0.16 per cent, gold jewellery 0.05 per cent, as well as inter-city transport and travel vehicle fares each at 0.02 per cent.

The price decline occurred in horticultural commodities, he said, such as red chillies, bird’s eye chillies, green chillies, tomatoes, and mustard greens, triggered by increased production and supply from within and outside the region.

This situation also helped to curb inflation amid pressures from price increases in several other expenditure groups.

Win Rizal stated that Bengkulu’s inflation in April 2026 was recorded at 0.35 per cent for monthly inflation (mtm). This figure did indeed experience a slight increase compared to February 2026, which was recorded at 0.28 per cent (mtm).

However, he said, if viewed from annual inflation, the figure recorded in Bengkulu province in April was much better at 1.87 per cent (yoy), compared to February at 2.85 per cent and January 2026 at 3.88 per cent (yoy).

Although Bengkulu’s inflation is within the national target range in April, Win Rizal still reminded of the potential for inflationary pressures that need to be anticipated in the following month due to national religious holidays as well as entering school holidays and the new academic year.