Ethiopia’s year-on-year inflation eased to 10.9 percent in November, extending a gradual slowdown in price pressures, according to data released by the Ethiopian Statistical Service.

The headline rate fell sharply from 16.9 percent recorded in the same month a year earlier, pointing to softer price growth across major consumer categories. Monthly inflation also turned more favourable, with consumer prices declining by 1.4 percent in November, a deeper contraction than the 0.8 percent fall seen a year earlier.

Non-food inflation stood at 11.4 percent on an annual basis, slightly above the overall rate. The increase was driven mainly by higher prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, which rose by 16.7 percent, and by restaurants and hotels, where prices increased by 13.0 percent.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation was recorded at 10.6 percent, reflecting mixed price movements within the basket. Oils and fats posted an annual increase of 18.9 percent, while sugar, jam, honey and chocolate rose by 18.6 percent. Prices of other food products not elsewhere classified climbed by 19.7 percent. Meat prices increased by 14.8 percent, and milk, cheese and eggs rose by 14.2 percent.

These gains were partly offset by a 3.0 percent decline in bread and cereals prices, helping to moderate overall food inflation during the month.