Hong Kong's consumer prices grew at a steady rate in May, figures from the Census and Statistics Department showed Tuesday.
The consumer price index climbed 2.0 percent year-over-year in May, the same rate of rise as in April. It was the third successive monthly increase.
The underlying inflation, which excludes one-off relief measures of the government, accelerated slightly to 2.3 percent in May from 2.2 percent in April.
Housing costs rose 2.7 percent annually in May and food prices, excluding meals bought away from home went up by 2.0 percent. In contrast, prices of durable goods decreased 3.7 percent.
"Consumer price inflation remained moderate in May, as external price pressure was limited and the steady increase in local costs continued," a government spokesman said.
"As these developments are likely to sustain in the near term, the upside risks to inflation should remain contained in the coming months. "
"The Government will continue to monitor the inflation developments closely, particularly its impact on the lower-income people."
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