HONG KONG – Overall consumer prices in Hong Kong rose 1.4 percent year-on-year in December, the same increase as in the previous month, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

Netting out the effects of the government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.3 percent, slightly larger than that recorded in November, the data, released on Tuesday, showed.

For 2024 as a whole, the underlying consumer price inflation rate averaged 1.1 percent.

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Compared with December 2023, price increases were seen in alcoholic drinks and tobacco; electricity, gas and water; miscellaneous services; transport; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and housing categories.

Year-on-year decreases were recorded for clothing and footwear, durable goods, and basic food.

Underlying consumer price inflation stayed modest in December, said a government spokesman.

Food prices as a whole continued to show a mild year-on-year increase, while prices of energy-related items turned to slight increases, partly due to a low base of comparison, the spokesman said, adding that price pressures on other major components remained broadly in check.

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In the near term, overall inflation should stay moderate, said the government.

Domestic costs may see some upward pressures, as the local economy continues to grow, while external price pressures should remain contained, although uncertainties from the external environment warrant attention, the government added.