IMF Staff Country Reports

The recent rise in inflation in Timor–Leste has raised concerns about international competitiveness and the cost of living. After remaining relatively subdued for several years, inflation in Timor–Leste rose decisively over the past two years. Higher food prices account for most of the increase in the consumer price index (CPI) in 2006–07. In contrast, the pace of non-food CPI inflation decelerated slightly in 2007, to below 3.5 percent on average. Further, based on Q1 2008 data, the second-round impact of oil price increases on inflation is emerging.