VIENTIANE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Inflation in Laos continued its downward trend in June, dropping to 7.2 percent from 8.3 percent in May.

The highest price rise was recorded in the cost of medical care and medicines category, which stood at 18.2 percent, the local news website Lao Phattana News reported on Monday.

This was followed by the cost of housing, water, electricity and gas category at 16.8 percent, the household goods category at 13.6 percent, and the education category at 12.4 percent.

The Lao central bank, the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), is working closely with the government to tighten monetary policy and align the money supply with current economic conditions, while promoting the use of the local currency kip, to support economic stability. Enditem