Hong Kong's consumer price inflation quickened in August to the strongest level in nearly one-and-a-half years, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed Thursday.
The consumer price index rose 4.3 percent year-over-year in August, faster than July's 2.3 percent climb, which was the weakest increase in eight months.
The latest rate of inflation was the highest since March 2015, when prices had risen 4.5 percent.
The underlying inflation, which excludes one-off relief measures of the government, accelerated slightly to 2.1 percent in August from 2.0 percent a month ago.
Both housing and utility costs dipped by 9.5 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively in August from a year ago. Meanwhile, clothing and footwear prices registered a decline of 5.0 percent.
"Looking ahead, inflation pressure should remain contained in the near term, given the soft import prices and moderate increases in local costs," a government spokesman said.
"The Government will continue to monitor the inflation developments closely, particularly its impact on the lower-income people."
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com