HK inflation slows to 5.1pc in Nov

HONG KONG, Dec 23 (Xinhua): Hong Kong's Consumer Price Index (CPI) in this November rose 5.1 per cent from a year ago, compared to the 5.2 per cent in October, mainly due to the smaller increase in the prices of fresh fruit, the city's statistics department said here on Tuesday.

The enlarged decrease in the charges for package tours was another reason for slow inflation, the department said.

Prices of electricity, gas and water rose the most, by 25.6 per cent, due to the used-up electricity charge subsidy. Housing costs advanced 8.5 per cent and prices of alcoholic drinks and tobacco increased 7.5 per cent. Price of food increased 3.8 per cent and miscellaneous services rose 1.9 per cent.

On the other hand, prices for durable goods fell 4.4 per cent from a year earlier, followed by the clothing and footwear 1.1 per cent.