Overall consumer prices rose 1.9% year on year in May, a slightly smaller increase than the 2% recorded in April, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1%, also smaller than that in April.

Compared with a year before, price increases were recorded in May in the following categories: electricity, gas and water; housing; transport; 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 consumer price inflation has stayed modest in recent months, with price pressures on various major components being contained in general.

It expects that overall inflation should remain modest in the near term, with pressures from domestic costs and external prices staying broadly in check.