The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) has released its Economic Survey 2026, warning of rising energy and food costs.
- Regional inflation: Expected to climb to 4.6% in 2026 from 3.5% in 2025.
- Growth: Developing economies of the region likely to slow to 4.0% from 4.6%.
- Price shocks: Gas prices up about 55% and urea around 35%, along with higher energy and fertiliser costs.
- India: GDP growth projected at 6.4% in 2026, with inflation at 4.4%.
- Impact: Higher costs may erode purchasing power, hurting low-income households the most.