Inflation rate flat at 1.7% in April

Energy inputs lift consumer price index whilst overall rate remains unchanged.

Inflation in Hong Kong held steady at 1.7% in April from a year earlier, unchanged from March, with underlying price growth also flat at 1.6%, government data showed.

The Census and Statistics Department reported overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% year on year in April. It was unchanged compared to March.  

The underlying inflation rate, which strips out one-off government relief measures, stood at 1.6%, also unchanged from March.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly change in the Composite CPI for the three months to April was flat at 0.0%, compared with 0.2% for the three months to March.

After adjusting for government relief measures, the corresponding rate was 0.1%.

By sub-index, CPI(A) rose 1.6%, CPI(B) increased 1.8%, and CPI(C) gained 1.7% in April compared with a year earlier. In March, the respective increases were 1.6%, 1.8%, and 1.8%.

After netting out government relief measures, CPI(A) rose 1.4%, CPI(B) increased 1.7%, and CPI(C) rose 1.6%, compared with 1.4%, 1.6%, and 1.7% in March, respectively.

On a three-month moving basis to April, CPI(A) edged down 0.1%, whilst CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose 0.1%.

For the three months to March, CPI(A), CPI(B), and CPI(C) rose 0.2%, 0.2%, and 0.1%, respectively.

After adjusting for relief measures, the three-month changes to April were 0.1% for CPI(A), 0.2% for CPI(B), and 0.1% for CPI(C).

Electricity, gas and water prices rose 5.5% year on year in April, whilst transport costs increased 4.3% and miscellaneous services gained 4.5%.

Other components also recorded increases, such as miscellaneous goods (2.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.3%), housing (1.0%), meals out and takeaway food (0.8%), and basic food (0.5%).

Durable goods fell 1.9% and clothing and footwear fell 0.3%.

For the first four months of 2026, the Composite CPI rose 1.6% compared with a year earlier. CPI(A), CPI(B), and CPI(C) increased 1.5%, 1.6%, and 1.6% respectively.

For the 12 months to April, the Composite CPI rose 1.4%. CPI(A) increased 1.6%, CPI(B) rose 1.3%, and CPI(C) rose 1.2%.

A government spokesman said fuel-related price components increased further whilst other price pressures remained contained.

He added that as international oil prices remained elevated, the impact on fuel-related consumer prices would depend on developments in the Middle East.