The Governor of the Bank of Laos provided a grim update on the country’s economic situation, indicating that high inflation rates are expected to persist throughout 2024, with the current rate at 24.92% as of April. Despite a declining trend from a peak of 41.26% in February 2023, inflation remains significantly high due to volatile prices for fuel, gas, and imported goods, compounded by the depreciation of the Lao kip against major currencies.