The Essential Commodities Price Index (ECPI) for August 2025 reflects continued stability in consumer prices, with modest increases in fruits, vegetables, and personal care products, alongside lower costs for meat and beverages.

According to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, the overall ECPI rose by 1.92 per cent compared to the same period last year, and by 1.19 per cent compared to July 2025.

The ECPI, introduced this year, tracks the weighted average prices of 96 essential commodities, including food, beverages, fuel, and personal care products, based on 2,549 monthly price quotations.

Food prices rose by 1.62 per cent compared to July, driven mainly by higher prices for fruits and vegetables. This was partly offset by a 0.78 per cent drop in meat prices. Beverage prices fell by 0.23 per cent, with notable declines in coffee and tea products.

The Gas and Other Fuels category recorded no monthly change in August, though prices were down 1.46 per cent year-on-year. Personal care products increased by 0.38 per cent, with the largest gains seen in appliances, articles, and products for personal care.

The ECPI is designed to ensure closer monitoring of essential commodities, supporting efforts to maintain affordability and price stability across the country.