Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (130.72) for June 2014 increased by 5.99% year-on-year, attributable to higher rentals for dwellings and dearer charges for eating out.

In comparison with June 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.77%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.03%); and Recreation & Culture (+5.48%) on account of rising rentals, as well as higher charges for eating out, recreational & sporting services and package tours. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 0.73%. The CPI-A (131.31) and CPI-B (131.16) increased by 6.51% and 5.85% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI for June 2014 increased by 0.50% month-to-month. Rising rentals, dearer charges for package tours, and higher prices of women’s Summer clothings pushed up the price index of Housing & Fuels; Recreation & Culture; and Clothing & Footwear by 0.96%, 0.82% and 0.71% respectively. Price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.39% due to higher charges for eating out and dearer prices of fresh pork, while lower prices of vegetables, fruits, fresh fish and seafood tapered off the increase. On the other hand, price index of Communication decreased by 0.07% month-to-month. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.53% and 0.50% respectively month-to-month.

For the 12 months ended June 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.95% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.42%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.44%); and Household Goods & Furnishings (+6.13%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 1.42%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.53% and 5.83% respectively.

The average Composite CPI for the second quarter of 2014 increased by 6.17% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.60% and 6.09% respectively. For the first half year of 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.14% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.69% and 6.05% 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.