Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (109.46) for May 2011 increased by 5.19% year-on-year. The increase was attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home and rising gasoline prices.

For the 12 months ended May 2011, the average Composite CPI increased by 4.09% from the previous period; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 3.69% and 4.26% respectively.

In comparison with May 2010, notable increase was observed in the price index of Transport (+11.00%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.69%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.80%); and Health (+6.54%) on account of dearer prices of gasoline, airfare, LP gas and gold jewellery, higher charges for medical services, meals bought away from home, as well as hairdressing and grooming services. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 8.18% year-on-year. The CPI-A (108.53) and CPI-B (109.84) for May 2011 increased by 4.75% and 5.37% respectively.

The Composite CPI for May 2011 increased by 0.66% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 4.22% upon rising prices of women’s clothing; however, price index of Recreation & Culture decreased by 1.26% on account of lower charges for outbound package tours. The CPI-A and CPI-B for May 2011 increased by 0.58% and 0.70% respectively month-to-month.

The average Composite CPI for the first five months of 2011 increased by 5.03% year-on-year; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 4.68% and 5.21% respectively.

The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.