TITLE: Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department Releases Consumer Price Index Data for May 2026
BODY:
On June 23, 2026, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for May 2026. The Composite CPI showed overall consumer prices rose by 2.0 percent year-on-year in May 2026, compared to 1.7 percent in April 2026. The underlying inflation rate, which nets out the effects of all government one-off relief measures, increased to 1.9 percent in May 2026 from 1.6 percent in April 2026.
The acceleration in May 2026 was primarily driven by increased inbound and outbound transport fares, charges for package holidays, and health service costs. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the three-month period ending May 2026 was 0.1 percent. Analysed by sub-index, year-on-year increases in May 2026 were recorded across CPI(A) at 1.8 percent, CPI(B) at 2.1 percent, and CPI(C) at 2.2 percent, all higher than April 2026 figures.
Among specific components, electricity, gas and water recorded the largest year-on-year increase at 6.6 percent, followed by transport at 5.1 percent and miscellaneous services at 5.1 percent. Other increases included miscellaneous goods at 2.9 percent, alcoholic drinks and tobacco at 2.5 percent, and housing at 1.1 percent. Durable goods recorded the only year-on-year decrease at negative 1.2 percent. For the first five months of 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.7 percent compared to the same period a year earlier.
A government spokesman noted that while fuel-related price pressures continue to accelerate, price pressures in other components remain largely contained. The C&SD will continue monitoring inflation developments closely. Detailed statistics and tables are available on the C&SD website.