Consumer prices rise 2.2% YoY in September, slowing from August

In August, prices increased by 2.5% YoY.

Consumer prices rose 2.2% YoY in September, slowing from August's increase of 2.5%.

After factoring out the impact of the government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate stood at 0.9%, also smaller than the 1.2% increase in  August.

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) said Hong Kong observed price hikes in categories such as alcoholic drinks and tobacco, electricity, gas and water, housing, miscellaneous services, meals out and takeaway food, miscellaneous goods, and transport.

On the other hand, clothing and footwear, basic food, and durable goods recorded YoY price decreases.

The government expects overall inflation to remain mild in the near term, though continued economic growth may exert moderate upward pressure on domestic costs.