Consumer Prices Rise 1.7% in July 2026, Increase Remains Moderate Amid Government Relief Measures

Consumer Price Indices for July 2026

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (August 20) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for July 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in July 2026 over the same month a year earlier, smaller than the corresponding increase (2.0%) in June 2026. The smaller increase was mainly attributable to the Government's provision of rates concession in July 2026 as compared with July 2025 without such concession, whereas the concession was in place in June of both years. 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 July 2026 was 1.9%, the same as that in June 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 July 2026 was 0.2%, and that for the 3-month period ending June 2026 was 0.1%. 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 1.2%, 1.8% and 2.0% respectively in July 2026, as compared to 1.8%, 2.1% and 2.2% respectively in June 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 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in July 2026, as compared to 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in June 2026.

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

Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in July 2026 for electricity, gas and water (10.8%), transport (5.0%), miscellaneous services (4.9%), miscellaneous goods (2.3%), meals out and takeaway food (0.9%), clothing and footwear (0.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (0.1%), and housing (0.1%).

On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in July 2026 for durable goods (-0.2%), and basic food (-0.2%).

Photo source: reference image

Taking the first 7 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 1.6%, 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%, 1.4%, 1.7% and 1.8% respectively.

For the 3 months ending July 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 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.9%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively.

For the 12 months ending July 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 all 1.5%. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.3%, 1.4% and 1.5% respectively.

Photo source: reference image

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.9% in July over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Inflation of fuel-related items stayed high, with some showing accelerated increases. Yet, overall inflation remained moderate, as price pressures on other components were generally contained.

Looking ahead, the continued feed-through of higher international oil prices to fuel-related components will pose upward pressure to consumer price inflation. While the lingering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key source of uncertainty, overall inflation should continue to stay moderate as price pressures on other fronts remain broadly in check.

Photo source: reference image

Further information

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).

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is conducting a series of inter-departmental emergency drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, including mock scenarios of a traffic accident, power outage, lift failure and electrical short circuit, to test departmental emergency response ahead of the port’s opening.

The Fire Services Department executes an elevator rescue operation during a scenario-based exercise.

One of the drills simulated a traffic accident involving three private cars at the public transport interchange inside the Hong Kong Port Area. The scenario involved multiple injuries, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene.

Firefighters first ensured that the area was secure and that no one was trapped before assessing the casualties and then standing by with a charged hose line as a precaution.

Ambulance personnel then provided further medical treatment before taking the injured to hospital. Meanwhile, police officers investigated the cause of the simulated crash and conducted a breath test on a driver.

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department simulates a failure of the building’s power and air-conditioning systems to test its response and emergency repair capabilities.

The Fire Services Department also staged a rescue operation inside the port building, where four travellers were simulated as trapped in a lift, complaining of dizziness and discomfort.

Firefighters safely opened the lift doors using a manual key after confirming that the power supply was switched off.

After initial checks, two of the rescued travellers were sent to hospital for further treatment.

Another drill simulated an electrical appliance short circuit in a building rest area, forcing a large number of travellers to evacuate.

During a simulated traffic accident, firefighters and ambulance personnel work in co-ordination to rescue an injured person trapped inside a vehicle.

Emergency teams directed travellers out of the building, while arriving firefighters deployed a hose line to prevent potential flare-ups. One traveller felt unwell and was taken to hospital.

In a separate development, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, together with other government departments, staged emergency scenarios including a simulated power failure, a breakdown of the air-conditioning system and a sudden escalator failure.

Under the department’s supervision, technical staff carried out emergency repairs to ensure a swift resumption of services.

After the establishment of the Hong Kong Port Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government continues to conduct drills and exercises of varying scales to ensure relevant departments and units familiarise themselves with handling different emergency situations.