CPI grows slightly in July

The Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July (104.76) grew slightly by 0.78% year-on-year. The increment was attributed to higher charges for eating out and package tours, and rising tuition fees, as well as increases in hotel room rates and clothing prices. The rise, however, was partially offset by lower rentals for dwellings and reduced airfares. Among the various sections of goods and services, the price indices of education, recreation and culture and clothing and footwear climbed by 9.98%, 6.80% and 5.07% year-on-year respectively, whereas the indices of transport and housing and fuels dropped by 4.38% and 1.74% respectively.