Consumer Prices Rise 2.0% Year-on-Year in June 2026, Underlying Inflation Rate Holds Steady at Increase of 1.9%

Consumer Price Indices for June 2026

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 21) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for June 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 2.0% in June 2026 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in May 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in June 2026 was 1.9%, also the same as that in May 2026.

The Census and Statistics Department, Photo source: reference image

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending June 2026 was 0.1%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending May 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were 0.2% and 0.3%.

Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.8%, 2.1% and 2.2% respectively in June 2026, all the same as those in May 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 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in June 2026, also all the same as those in May 2026.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending June 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.0%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending May 2026 were 0.0%, 0.2% and 0.2% 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 June 2026 were all 0.2%, and the corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending May 2026 were 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.2% respectively.

Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in June 2026 for electricity, gas and water (9.2%), transport (5.3%), miscellaneous services (5.2%), miscellaneous goods (2.3%), housing (1.1%), meals out and takeaway food (0.8%), clothing and footwear (0.7%), and alcoholic drinks and tobacco (0.1%).

On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in June 2026 for durable goods (-1.1%), and basic food (-0.5%).

For the first half of 2026 as a whole, 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 1.6%, 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.

In the second quarter of 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.9% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.7%, 2.0% and 2.0% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.7%, 1.5%, 1.9% and 2.0% respectively.

For the 12 months ending June 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.5% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.5%, 1.4% and 1.4% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.3%, 1.2%, 1.3% and 1.4% respectively.

Photo source: reference image

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.9% in June over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Increases in prices of fuel-related items continued to accelerate, while relatively modest price pressures in other components partly offset the overall rise.

Looking ahead, consumer price inflation is expected to rise in the coming months as the earlier surges in international oil prices continue to feed through. The recent moderation in international oil prices from previous peaks may provide some relief; however, the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East warrants close monitoring. Meanwhile, price pressures in other areas remain largely contained, which should keep overall inflation at a moderate level.

Further information

The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for June 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).

Photo source: reference image

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possesssing duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming female passenger was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 21) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming 31-year-old Mainland female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on May 24 and seized 10 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage. The duty-not-paid cigarettes had an estimated market value of about $41,000 and a duty potential of about $33,000. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

An incoming female passenger was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 21) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases