Consumer Price Indices for September 2026
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On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending September 2026 was 0.2%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending August 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were both 0.2%.
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 2.0% and 2.3% respectively in September 2026, as compared to 1.2%, 1.8% and 1.9% respectively in August 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 1.7%, 2.2% and 2.4% respectively in September 2026, as compared to 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.0% respectively in August 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending September 2026, the average monthly rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were all 0.2%. The corresponding rates of increase for the 3-month period ending August 2026 were 0.2%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of increase in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending September 2026 were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.2% respectively, and the corresponding rates of increase for the 3-month period ending August 2026 were 0.2%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively.
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in September 2026 for electricity, gas and water (12.9%), miscellaneous services (5.3%), transport (5.2%), miscellaneous goods (2.1%), durable goods (1.1%), meals out and takeaway food (1.0%), clothing and footwear (0.3%), and housing (0.2%).
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in September 2026 for alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-0.4%), and basic food (-0.2%).
Taking the first 9 months of 2026 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.7% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.5%, 1.8% and 1.9% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.7%, 1.4%, 1.8% and 1.9% respectively.
In the third quarter of 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.7% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.3%, 1.9% and 2.1% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 2.0%, 1.7%, 2.1% and 2.2% respectively.
For the 12 months ending September 2026, the Composite CPI on average 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%, 1.7% and 1.7% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.6%, 1.3%, 1.6% and 1.7% respectively.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 2.1% in September over a year earlier, up from 1.9% in the preceding month, largely driven by faster price increases in fuel-related items. Yet, price increases of other components were largely modest, thus keeping overall inflation moderate.
Looking ahead, consumer price inflation will remain under upward pressure, as persistently elevated international oil prices feed through to fuel-related components amid ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East. Yet, as price pressures on other fronts are expected to remain largely contained, overall inflation should stay moderate.
Further information
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for September 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).
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, October 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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