Consumer prices increased by 2% in September year-on-year, a larger rise than that registered in August.

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.

Date: 2023.10.20