Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (121.11) for March 2013 increased by 4.95% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out and rising rentals for dwellings.

In comparison with March 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+8.46%) and Health (+6.81%), which was caused by higher rentals for dwellings and charges for out-patient services; however, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.13% and 2.88% respectively. The CPI-A (121.08) and CPI-B (121.61) increased by 5.45% and 4.90% respectively year-on-year.

As the effect of the Lunar New Year faded out, the Composite CPI for March 2013 decreased by 0.29% month-to-month. Price index of Recreation & Culture and Clothing & Footwear fell by 6.23% and 2.90% respectively due to reduced charges for package tours and seasonal sale of Winter clothing. The CPI-A and the CPI-B decreased by 0.15% and 0.28% respectively month-to-month.

For the 12 months ended March 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.88% from the preceding period, of which the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+24.13%) and Housing & Fuels (+8.14%) rose significantly, while index of Communication decreased by 3.01%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.33% and 5.99% respectively.

The average Composite CPI for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 5.38% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.94% and 5.30% 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.