Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (123.86) for July 2013 increased by 5.38% year-on-year, attributable to dearer charges for eating out, outbound package tours, and higher rentals for dwellings.

In comparison with July 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+9.04%); Health (+6.43%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.42%) on account of rising rentals for dwellings, higher charges for out-patient services and eating out, and dearer prices of fresh food and produce. On the contrary, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.14% and 2.66% respectively. The CPI-A (123.89) and CPI-B (124.38) increased by 5.84% and 5.31% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI for July 2013 increased by 0.43% month-to-month. Higher charges for outbound package tours and rentals for dwellings drove up the price index of Recreation & Culture; and Housing & Fuels by 3.01% and 1.03% respectively. However, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 2.16% upon seasonal sale of Summer clothing. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.49% and 0.38% respectively month-to-month.

For the 12 months ended July 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.47% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+8.54%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.95%) registered marked increase, while index of Education decreased by 2.69%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.98% and 5.47% respectively.

The average Composite CPI for the first seven months of 2013 increased by 5.27% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.82% and 5.17% 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.