Based on our time series model and market survey, headline inflation is likely to increase to 18.2% in the month of May from 18.12% in April. The earlier news that headline inflation slipped marginally in April 2021 was received with a certain amount of scepticism by analysts.
This was mainly due to the fact that anecdotal proxies seemed to be running contrary to the data. The question on the minds of most analysts is if this drop was a blip or a trend.
What also raised eyebrows was the statement by the FAO that global food prices are at a 10-year high of 4.8%. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for analysts to comprehend how food inflation in Nigeria would be running in the opposite direction of the global food basket. Food inflation is projected to rise to 24.15% in May.
In addition, inflation in the US climbed to a 13-year high of 4.2% in April. The consensus forecast is for an increase to 4.7% in May. In the UK, inflation doubled from 0.7% in March to 1.5% in April. This is the highest level since March 2020.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, four of the countries under our review (Angola, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia) recorded higher inflation rates. Apart from Kenya, these countries have inflation rates higher than their interest rates.
Apart from the anticipated rise in headline (y-o-y) inflation, our model also indicates a sharp increase in monthly inflation to 1.2% (15.34% annualized) from 0.97% (12.3% annualized) in April. Core inflation (inflation fewer seasonalities) is also likely to creep up to 13.32% from 12.74% in April.
Inflation outlook in Q3
Whilst the controversy rages on whether the current inflation is reflective of reality, we must bear in mind that the CBN has been consistent in its contention that an inflation rate above 12% is growth retarding. It has also been resolute in its belief that a stable exchange rate is an antidote to rising inflation.
Inflation has its seasonality features and core inflation, which discounts seasonal factors from headline inflation, is expected to be relatively mild this time. Whilst the planting season effect will take a toll on prices in the next quarter, one feature of the planting season this year is that farmers who normally consumed only grains are now consuming seeds and grains.
Seed consumption reduces the planting stock and slashes the harvest of the next season. Therefore, we should expect some shortages in food output next quarter in addition to higher logistics costs and ultimately higher food inflation in Q3.
