Earlier today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the inflation figures for Jun-2021. Notably, the headline inflation rate rose by 17.75% y/y, lower than our forecast of 17.86% and the consensus forecast of 17.85%. This is 18bps lower than the rate recorded for the month of May (17.93%), implying that prices continued to rise in June but at a slightly slower pace.
On a m/m basis, the headline inflation rate ticked upwards by 1.06% m/m (vs. 1.01% in May-2021). Also, we observed price increase across all components of the index. Specifically, the highest increases were recorded in food prices.
Nigeria Headline Inflation Rate Trajectory
On a segmented basis, food inflation printed at 21.83% y/y for June-2021 compared to 22.29% in May-2021, a 44ps decline. On a m/m basis, the Food sub-index increased by 1.11% in June 2021 from 1.05% in May-2021, up by 6bps. The moderation in food prices was driven by a low base for the Food sub-index as food prices remain elevated due to prevailing supply-side challenges.
The core inflation sub-index drifted downward to 13.09%, reflecting a 7bps decrease from May 2021’s 13.15%. Similarly, on a m/m basis, core inflation weakened by 43bps in June-2021 to 0.81% compared to 1.24% in May-2021.
Notably, the NBS report showed the key drivers of core inflation were increasing costs of clothing and footwear (Garment, Shoes, Clothing materials etc.), healthcare (Pharmaceutical product, Medical services, etc.) and transport costs (Air transport, Road transport, Motor and Vehicle spare parts).
Clearly, core inflation continues to face lingering pressures from transport cost (a pass-through impact of higher crude prices) and imported consumption (due to naira devaluation).