Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (117.54) for July 2012 increased by 6.04% year-on-year, attributable to rising charges for meals bought away from home and dearer prices of vegetable.

For the 12 months ended July 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.45% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B also rose by 6.45% and 6.67% respectively.

In comparison with July 2011, notable increase was observed in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+32.47%); Housing & Fuels (+8.36%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+8.20%) on account of dearer prices of vegetable and rising charges for meals bought away from home; however, price index of Communication decreased by 6.53%. The CPI-A (117.05) and CPI-B (118.11) increased by 6.40% and 6.24% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI increased by 0.37% month-to-month, higher charges for out-patient services, outbound package tours, taxi fare and airfare pushed up the price index of Health; Recreation & Culture; and Transport by 1.36%, 1.23% and 1.14% respectively. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear fell by 1.96% upon seasonal sale of Summer clothing. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.42% and 0.31% month-to-month.

The average Composite CPI for the first seven months of 2012 increased by 6.37% year-on-year, of which the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+29.66%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.34%) saw noticeable increase, while that of Communication decreased by 6.50%. The CPI-A and CPI-B for the first seven months of 2012 rose by 6.53% and 6.62% 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.