Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (117.11) for June 2012 increased by 6.19% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home and dearer price of vegetable.

For the 12 months ended June 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.44% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B also rose by 6.40% and 6.66% respectively.

In comparison with June 2011, notable increase was observed in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+32.18%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+8.94%) on account of rising charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of vegetable and fresh pork. On the contrary, price index of Communication and Transport decreased by 6.58% and 0.11%. The CPI-A (116.56) and CPI-B (117.74) increased by 6.60% and 6.37% respectively year-on-year.

The Composite CPI increased by 0.22% month-to-month, with the price index of Clothing & Footwear; and Recreation & Culture rising by 1.73% and 0.93% respectively. Besides, gasoline prices were lowered four times in June and receded vegetable prices pushed down the price index of Transport; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages by 1.81% and 0.07%. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.21% and 0.23% month-to-month.

The average Composite CPI for the first half year of 2012 increased by 6.42% year-on-year, of which the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+29.19%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.53%) saw noticeable increase, while that of Communication decreased by 6.50%. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.56% and 6.68% 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.