Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (116.85) for May 2012 increased by 6.76% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of vegetable and fresh pork.

For the 12 months ended May 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.40% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.29% and 6.62% respectively.

In comparison with May 2011, notable increase was observed in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+31.93%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.90%) on account of rising charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of vegetable and fresh pork. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 6.59%. The CPI-A (116.32) and CPI-B (117.47) for May 2012 increased by 7.18% and 6.94% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI for May 2012 increased by 0.66% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 3.39% upon new arrival of Summer clothing, while the price index of Transport decreased by 1.02% with lower gasoline prices. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.74% and 0.64% month-to-month.

The average Composite CPI for the first five months of 2012 increased by 6.47% year-on-year, with noticeable increase in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+28.59%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.65%); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.07%). On the other hand, price index of Communication registered a decrease of 6.48%. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.55% and 6.74% respectively year-on-year.

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.