Overall consumer prices rose 1.7% in August year on year, the same as in July, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.9% in August, unchanged from the previous month.

Compared to August 2025, price increases were recorded across several categories, including electricity, gas and water; miscellaneous services; transport; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; durable goods; and housing.

Meanwhile, a year-on-year decrease was recorded for basic food.

Alcoholic drinks and tobacco, as well as clothing and footwear, remained unchanged over the same period a year earlier.

The Government said that while inflation in fuel-related items remained high, price pressures on other components were broadly in check, keeping overall inflation at a moderate level.

Looking ahead, consumer price inflation will remain under upward pressure, as elevated international oil prices continue to feed through to fuel-related components. The Government added that the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East of late remains a key uncertainty and warrants close monitoring. However, as price pressures on other fronts are expected to remain largely contained, overall inflation should stay moderate.