HONG KONG – The overall consumer prices in Hong Kong went up 2.5 percent in July year-on-year, larger than the 1.5 percent increase in June, official data showed on Tuesday.

Netting out the effects of the government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite Consumer Price Index in July was 1.2 percent, also larger than the average increase rate of 1.0 percent in June, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

Compared with July last year, price increases were recorded for alcoholic drinks and tobacco; housing; transport; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous services; electricity, gas and water; miscellaneous goods; and basic food.   

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On the other hand, year-on-year decreases were recorded for clothing and footwear and durable goods.   

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government spokesman said that the underlying consumer price inflation remained modest in July.

Prices of meals out and takeaway food continued to increase at a relatively fast pace over a year earlier, while those of basic food edged up. Prices of energy-related items continued to show visible decline as price pressures on other major components remained broadly in check, he added.

Looking ahead, the spokesman said overall inflation should stay mild in the near term while domestic cost may face some moderate upward pressures as the Hong Kong economy continues to grow.

READ MORE: Hong Kong inflation rises to 1.2% in May

External price pressures should remain on a broad moderating trend, though geopolitical tensions may bring uncertainties, he added.