Overall consumer prices rose 1.4% year-on-year in February, a smaller rate of increase than the 2% seen in January, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.1%, also smaller than that seen in January.
Compared with a year before, price increases were recorded in February in the following categories: alcoholic drinks and tobacco; electricity, gas and water; transport; housing; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; and miscellaneous services.
Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged in basic food, clothing and footwear, and durable goods.
The Government commented that the underlying consumer price inflation stayed modest in early 2025.
Taking January and February together to remove the effect caused by the different timing of the Lunar New Year, the underlying composite consumer price index increased by 1.3% over a year earlier, same as the increase in December 2024. Price pressures on various major components stayed largely contained.
The Government also said overall inflation should remain moderate in the near term.
While domestic costs pressures might increase as the economy continues to grow, external price pressures should remain broadly in check, it added, noting that uncertainties stemming from geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts warrant attention.
