Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (128.32) for February 2014 increased by 5.65% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out, rising rentals for dwellings and dearer prices of vegetables.

In comparison with February 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+12.28%); Household Goods & Furnishings (+6.92%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.75%) on account of higher rentals, dearer prices of vegetables as well as rising charges for eating out and domestic services. On the contrary, price index of Recreation & Culture decreased by 2.72% upon reduced charges for package tours after the Lunar New Year. The CPI-A (129.05) and CPI-B (128.65) increased by 6.43% and 5.49% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI for February 2014 increased by 0.37% month-to-month. Price index of Housing & Fuels and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 1.39% and 1.38% respectively due to higher rentals, rising charges for eating out, as well as dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, vegetables, fruits and fresh fish. However, lower charges for package tours and hairdressing services as well as seasonal sale of Winter clothing pushed down the price index of Recreation & Culture; Clothing & Footwear; and Miscellaneous Goods & Services by 3.29%, 1.97% and 1.34% respectively. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.63% and 0.27% respectively month-to-month.

For the 12 months ended February 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.57% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.34%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.59%); and Health (+6.13%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 2.36%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.18% and 5.45% respectively.

The average Composite CPI for the first two months of 2014 increased by 6.00 % year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.68% and 5.89% 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.