Overall consumer prices rose 2.2% year-on-year in September, a smaller rate of increase than the 2.5% seen in August, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 0.9%, also smaller than that recorded in August. 

Compared with September last year, price increases were seen in the following categories: alcoholic drinks and tobacco; electricity, gas and water; housing; miscellaneous services; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and transport.

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were recorded for clothing and footwear; basic food; and durable goods.

The Government said overall inflation should stay mild in the near term and the continued growth of the Hong Kong economy could pose some moderate upward pressures on domestic costs.

Meanwhile, external price pressures should ease further, though uncertainties in the external environment remain, it added.