Census & Statistics
The Census & Statistics Department provides adequate, relevant, reliable and timely statistics to facilitate research, discussion, planning and decision making within the government and in the community.
Overall consumer prices rose 2.6% in October over a year earlier, the same as the corresponding rate in September, the Census & Statistics Department says.
Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index was 2.3% in October, slightly higher than September's 2.2% rise, mainly due to higher increases in private housing rentals and the prices of food.
The department said inflation in Hong Kong is likely to rise in the near term, as domestic costs rise, and inflation increases region-wide. The new round of quantitative easing in the US will also pose upside risks.
During October, increases in prices were recorded for electricity, gas and water (15.7%), food excluding meals bought away from home (5.7%), miscellaneous goods (3.3%), transport (2.7%), miscellaneous services (2.4%), meals bought away from home (1.9%), housing (1.7%) and alcoholic drinks and tobacco (1.1%).
Decreases in prices were recorded for durable goods (-3.1%) and clothing and footwear (-0.4%).
Taking the first 10 months of 2010 together, the Composite Consumer Price Index rose 2.3% over a year earlier.
