Consumer prices up 1.9% in May

Underlying inflation rate stood at 1%

Consumer prices in Hong Kong rose 1.9% year-on-year in May, slightly below the 2% increase recorded in April, according to the Census & Statistics Department.

After excluding the impact of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate stood at 1%, also easing from the previous month.

The data showed that prices increased across several categories, including electricity, gas and water; housing; transport; miscellaneous services; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and alcoholic drinks and tobacco.

Conversely, year-on-year declines were recorded in clothing and footwear, durable goods, and basic food.

A government spokesperson noted that consumer price inflation has remained modest in recent months, with major components experiencing generally contained price pressures.

Looking ahead, the Government expects overall inflation to stay mild in the near term, supported by stable domestic costs and broadly manageable external price trends.