In this March 1, 2023 photo, a seller (right) at a vegetable stall serves a customer in Hong Kong. (PHOTO/ AFP)
HONG KONG – Overall consumer prices in Hong Kong rose 2.1 percent in April year-on-year, larger than the 1.7 percent increase in March, the Census and Statistics Department announced on Monday.
Netting out the effects of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.8 percent, slightly larger than March's 1.7 percent, the government said in a statement.
Compared with April last year, price increases were seen in alcoholic drinks and tobacco, electricity, gas and water, clothing and footwear, meals out and takeaway food, miscellaneous services, transport, miscellaneous goods and housing.
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On the other hand, compared to the same period last year, a decrease in durable goods was recorded.
External price pressures should see some moderation, but they are likely to remain notable for some time, the government
As for basic food, the price remained unchanged over a year earlier.
The government said the underlying consumer price inflation rate edged up to 1.8 percent in April from 1.7 percent in March.
Prices of energy-related items continued to increase sharply year-on-year, and those of clothing and footwear as well as meals out and takeaway food rose visibly, according to the statement.
Price pressures on other major components remained broadly in check, it added.
Looking ahead, domestic cost pressures may increase alongside the economic recovery, according to the statement.
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External price pressures should see some moderation, but they are likely to remain notable for some time.
Overall inflation will likely pick up in the rest of the year, though remaining largely moderate, the government added.