HONG KONG – Overall consumer prices in Hong Kong increased 1.7 percent in July year-on-year, a smaller rise than 2 percent recorded in the previous month, official data shows.

The special administrative region government attributed the smaller increase mainly to its provision of rates concession in July, as compared with July 2025 without such concession, whereas the concession was in place in June of both years.

Netting out the effects of the government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.9 percent in July, unchanged from the previous month, according to Census and Statistics Department statistics published on Thursday.

Compared to July 2025, price increases were recorded in July this year across several categories, including electricity, gas and water; transport; miscellaneous services; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; clothing and footwear; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; and housing.

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were recorded for durable goods and basic food.

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Taking the first 7 months of the year together, the composite consumer price index also rose by 1.7 percent over the same period a year earlier.

While inflation of fuel-related items stayed high, with some showing accelerated increases, a government spokesman said overall inflation remained moderate, as price pressures on other components were generally contained.

Looking ahead, the spokesman said continued feed-through of higher international oil prices to fuel-related components will exert upward pressure on consumer price inflation.

While the lingering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key source of uncertainty, overall inflation should continue to stay moderate as price pressures on other fronts remain broadly in check, added the spokesman.