Consumer inflation moderated to 4.4 percent in April with a fall in the price index of the entire range of traded goods in the food, non-food and service categories. Inflation was recorded at 5.3 percent during the same period last year, as per Nepal Rastra Bank.

The price index of food and beverage was 2.8 percent, down from 4.7 percent. According to the central bank, prices of pulses and legumes and vegetables, in particular, declined.

The price index of the non-food and service group dropped to 5.7 percent from 5.8 percent. A fall in the price of communication services along with a slow rise in education, housing and utilities led to the slight fall in the inflation rate of the group.

The statistics show that the mountain region witnessed 6.2 percent inflation, down from 7 percent. Inflation in the hilly region fell to 4.8 percent from 6 percent.

The consumer price index in the Tarai dropped to 4 percent from 5.7 percent while in the Kathmandu Valley, it stood at 4.7 percent, up from 4.3 percent.