21st May 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged in April, with consumer prices rising at a steady pace, according to figures released on 21st May by the Census and Statistics Department.
The Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.7 per cent in April 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, matching the rate recorded in March. After stripping out the effects of one-off government relief measures, underlying inflation stood at 1.6 per cent, also unchanged from the previous month.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, prices were broadly stable. The average monthly change in the Composite CPI for the three months to April was flat, compared with a 0.2 per cent rise in the three months to March. Excluding one-off relief measures, the corresponding monthly increase was 0.1 per cent for both periods.
Across income groups, price pressures remained moderate. Year-on-year increases in April were 1.6 per cent for CPI(A), 1.8 per cent for CPI(B) and 1.7 per cent for CPI(C). After adjusting for government relief measures, the respective increases were 1.4 per cent, 1.7 per cent and 1.6 per cent.
Among major components, utilities recorded the sharpest annual rise, with electricity, gas and water charges climbing 5.5 per cent. Miscellaneous services rose 4.5 per cent, while transport costs increased 4.3 per cent. Prices for miscellaneous goods grew 2.6 per cent, alcoholic drinks and tobacco 2.3 per cent, housing 1.0 per cent, meals out and takeaway food 0.8 per cent, and basic food items 0.5 per cent.
By contrast, prices of durable goods fell by 1.9 per cent compared with a year earlier, and clothing and footwear declined by 0.3 per cent.
For the first four months of 2026 as a whole, the Composite CPI was 1.6 per cent higher than a year earlier. Over the 12 months ending April, average inflation stood at 1.4 per cent.
A government spokesman said underlying inflation remained moderate despite faster increases in fuel-related items. He noted that elevated global oil prices could continue to feed through to consumer fuel costs in the months ahead, with the ultimate impact dependent on developments in the Middle East.
