Consumer Price Indices for April 2026
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On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending April 2026 was 0.0%, and that for the 3-month period ending March 2026 was 0.2%. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.1%.
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.7% respectively in April 2026, as compared to 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively in March 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 1.7% and 1.6% respectively in April 2026, as compared to 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.7% respectively in March 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending April 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were -0.1%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending April 2026 were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively, and the corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were all 0.1%.
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in April 2026 for electricity, gas and water (5.5%), miscellaneous services (4.5%), transport (4.3%), miscellaneous goods (2.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.3%), housing (1.0%), meals out and takeaway food (0.8%), and basic food (0.5%).
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in April 2026 for durable goods (-1.9%), and clothing and footwear (-0.3%).
Taking the first 4 months of 2026 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.5%, 1.6% and 1.6% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.5% respectively.
For the 3 months ending April 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.8% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.6%, 1.3%, 1.7% and 1.7% respectively.
For the 12 months ending April 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.4% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.6% in April over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Prices of fuel-related components accelerated further, yet price pressures on other components were in check, thus keeping overall inflation moderate.
Looking ahead, as international oil prices remain 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. Yet, price pressures from other fronts are generally contained, which should help rein in the potential upward pressure on overall inflation. The Government will continue to monitor the development closely and will respond further as appropriate to safeguard price stability.
Further information
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for April 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.
More detailed statistics are given in the "Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index". Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).
Following established practice, C&SD reviews and updates the expenditure weights of the CPIs annually. In this round of annual review, C&SD has incorporated the results of the 2024/25 Household Expenditure Survey to comprehensively update the expenditure weights. Starting from the reference month of April 2026, the updated 2025 expenditure weights have been adopted in the compilation of the CPIs. This update aims to better capture recent changes in household consumption patterns, ensuring that the CPIs can more accurately reflect the inflation experienced by consumers, and fully aligns with international recommendations.
For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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