Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (128.81) for March 2014 increased by 6.36% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out, rising rentals for dwellings and dearer prices of vegetables.

In comparison with March 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+12.37%); Household Goods & Furnishings (+7.18%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.51%) on account of higher rentals, dearer prices of vegetables, and rising charges for eating out and domestic services. The CPI-A (129.50) and CPI-B (129.20) increased by 6.95% and 6.24% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI for March 2014 increased by 0.38% month-to-month upon rising charges for eating out and higher rentals. Meanwhile, receding prices of fresh fish and vegetables as well as seasonal sale of women’s Winter footwear offset part of the increase. Price index of Transport and Housing & Fuels increased by 1.14% and 0.70% respectively, while price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 1.09%. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.35% and 0.42% respectively month-to-month.

For the 12 months ended March 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.69% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.66%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.62%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 2.12%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.30% and 5.56% respectively.

The average Composite CPI for the first quarter of 2014 increased by 6.12% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.77% and 6.01% 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.