Namibia's cost of living continues to rise, with annual inflation increasing to 5,6% in October, up from 5,4% in September.

The latest figures from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) point to growing pressure on household budgets, particularly transport and food costs.

NAS stated that transport remains the biggest driver of inflation, recording an annual increase of 16,5%.

Higher transport costs were mainly driven by the cost of operating personal vehicles, which increased by 22,7%, while public transport fares rose by 15%.

Food prices also continue to put pressure on consumers. Fruits recorded the highest increase at 13,5%, followed by vegetables at 10,5%.

Milk, cheese and eggs rose by 7,8%, while meat prices increased by 5,9%.

Inflation also varied across the country's consumer price zones, with Khomas recording the highest rate at 6,2%, followed by Zone 3 at 6,1%.

Zone 1 recorded the lowest at 4,6%.

Despite the increase in overall inflation, core inflation stood at 3,7%. This measure excludes selected volatile food and energy items to provide a clearer picture of underlying price movements.

The rising cost of transport, food and other essential goods continues to squeeze household budgets, leaving consumers with less room to manage their everyday expenses.