Consumer prices up 1.4% in February

Prices rose in categories such as housing, transport, and electricity.

Consumer prices rose 1.4% year-on-year (YoY) in February, slowing from January’s 2% increase, as per the Census & Statistics Department.

Excluding one-off government relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.1%, also down from January.

Prices increased in categories such as alcoholic drinks and tobacco, electricity, gas and water, transport, housing, meals out, and miscellaneous goods and services. In contrast, year-on-year declines were recorded in basic food, clothing and footwear, and durable goods.

The government said underlying inflation stayed modest in early 2025. Taking January and February together, to account for Lunar New Year timing, the underlying composite consumer price index rose 1.3% YoY, the same as in December 2024.

The government expects inflation to remain moderate in the near term. It noted domestic cost pressures may rise as the economy grows but said external price pressures are expected to stay stable. Risks from geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts remain.