Overall consumer prices rose 1.8% in June year-on-year, larger than the 1.2% increase in May, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was also 1.8%, slightly larger than May's 1.7%.

Compared with June last year, price increases were recorded for electricity, gas and water; clothing and footwear; basic food; meals out and takeaway food; transport; durable goods; alcoholic drinks and tobacco as well as miscellaneous services.

On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in price were recorded for housing and miscellaneous goods.

The Government said that prices of energy-related items recorded faster year-on-year increases, while the rise in clothing and footwear prices as well as food remained visible. Price pressures on other items were broadly in check.

In view of surging inflation in some major import sources, price pressures on the external front are expected to remain notable.

Yet, overall inflation should remain moderate in the near term as domestic cost pressures stay mild, the Government added.