In January, food inflation stood at 8.4 percent, reflecting a 3.3 percent increase from the same period last year, according to data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). This marks a notable rise compared to January 2024.

The highest recorded food inflation last year occurred in August, reaching 8.3 percent. Overall inflation in January 2025 was 5.3 percent, showing a 4.4 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024.

Specific sectors also saw significant inflationary pressure. Restaurant prices surged by 29.3 percent, while tuna inflation reached 13 percent. MMA attributes the rise in inflation to higher import duties and price increases in restaurants. The inflation on food products, particularly fish, vegetables, and fruits, has also contributed to the overall increase.

In 2024, the average food inflation was 6.5 percent, with total inflation averaging just 1.4 percent for the year.