Overall consumer prices rose 2% year-on-year in April, larger than the corresponding increase in March, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
 
Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.3%, also larger than that in March.
 
Compared with a year before, price increases were recorded in April in the following categories: electricity, gas and water; transport; housing; miscellaneous services; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and alcoholic drinks and tobacco.
 
Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged in clothing and footwear; durable goods; and basic food.
 
The Government said that inflation pressure remained largely moderate in recent months, with price pressures on various major components staying contained in general.
 
Travel-related charges climbed amid the Easter holidays which started in April, resulting in an increased underlying consumer price inflation rate in the month, it explained.
 
The Government expects that overall inflation should remain modest in the near term, while pressures from domestic costs and external prices should stay broadly in check.