Overall consumer prices in Hong Kong rose by 1.7 percent in April over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in March 2026, according to data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday.

Netting out the effects of all one-off relief measures of the government, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (consumer price index), or the underlying inflation rate, was 1.6 percent last month, also the same as in the previous month.

Prices of fuel-related components accelerated further, yet price pressures on other components were in check, thus keeping overall inflation moderate, said a spokesman for the special administrative region government.

Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI in April, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded for electricity, gas and water (5.5 percent), miscellaneous services (4.5 percent), transport (4.3 percent), miscellaneous goods (2.6 percent), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.3 percent), housing (1.0 percent), meals out and takeaway food (0.8 percent), and basic food (0.5 percent).

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Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded last month for durable goods (-1.9 percent), and clothing and footwear (-0.3 percent).

Looking ahead, the spokesman said with international oil prices remaining elevated, the corresponding feed-through process to fuel-related components in consumer prices should continue in the coming months.

The final impacts would hinge on the evolving situation in the Middle East, the spokesman added.

Price pressures from other fronts are generally contained, which should help rein in the potential upward pressure on overall inflation, said the spokesman.