Consumer prices increased by 2% in September year-on-year, a larger rise than that registered in August, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.8%, also larger than that seen in August.

Compared with September last year, price increases were recorded in the following categories: alcoholic drinks and tobacco; clothing and footwear; meals out and takeaway food; electricity, gas and water; miscellaneous services; miscellaneous goods; transport; basic food; and housing.

By contrast, year-on-year price decreases were registered for durable goods.

The Government said underlying consumer price inflation remained moderate in September. It added that prices of basic food turned to a year-on-year increase mainly due to the extreme weather conditions in the early part of the month.

It also noted that prices of meals out and takeaway food had increased at a faster pace than previously, adding that prices of clothing and footwear, and electricity, continued to rise notably, although the rate of increase for the latter had eased further. Price pressures on other major components remained broadly in check, it said.

Looking ahead, the Government said overall inflation might stay moderate in the near term and that external price pressures are expected to abate further. It added that while domestic business costs could face some upward pressures, these are likely to be contained in the near term.