VIENTIANE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Inflation in Laos dropped to 21.7 percent in September, down from 24.3 percent in August, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau.
According to a report released by the bureau on Monday, the highest price rise was recorded in the medical care and medicines category, which stood at 34 percent.
This was followed by the cost of housing, water, electricity and gas category at 32.9 percent, the hotel and restaurant category at 30.9 percent, and the household goods category at 29.3 percent.
In addition, the cost of the education category stood at 29.3 percent while the cost of the clothing and footwear category stood at 22.9 percent.
In July, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone issued a decision on the establishment of an ad-hoc committee to study and address rising goods prices and inflation in the country.
In addition, the soft opening ceremony of the Lao Bullion Bank was held on Friday, marking a significant step forward in Laos' financial landscape and highlighting the government's strategic efforts to enhance the country's economic stability. ■