Consumer prices crept up 3.9%

Here are yoy price increases.

According to the Census & Statistics Department, overall consumer prices rose 3.9% year-on-year in March, the same as in February.

Netting out the effects of the Government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 3.6%, also the same as in February.

Year-on-year price increases were recorded for alcoholic drinks and tobacco (7.2%); housing (5.4%); electricity, gas and water (4.8%); food excluding meals bought away from home (4.8%); meals bought away from home (4.4%); miscellaneous services (2.8%); clothing and footwear (2.5%) and transport (1.5%).

A year-on-year 3% price decrease was recorded for durable goods in March.

The department forecasts modest imported inflation, adding that the feed-through of the milder increases in fresh-letting residential rentals since 2013 will help contain inflation in the near term.

It said the Government will monitor the inflation situation, particularly its impact on people with lower incomes.