China's consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.5% in January from a year earlier, led by higher food and services costs, though broader inflation pressures remained weak, official data showed on Saturday.

Food prices rose 0.4%, with pork prices jumping 13.8%, while services costs increased 1.1%, the National Bureau of Statistics said. Urban prices climbed 0.6%, while rural prices gained 0.3%.

On a monthly basis, CPI rose 0.7%, accelerating from December's 0.1% increase. Food prices gained 1.3%, with fresh vegetable prices rising 5.9% and fresh fruit up 3.3%. Non-food prices climbed 0.6%, and services rose 0.9%.

ING Research said the Lunar New Year effect likely contributed to the food price increase, while non-food inflation remained subdued due to intense price competition.

Among broader categories, prices for education and entertainment rose 1.7% year-on-year, while clothing gained 1.1%. Household goods and transport costs fell 1.1% and 0.6%, respectively.

China's CPI has remained subdued in recent months as weak consumer demand weighs on price growth. The latest data suggests some upward pressure, but inflation remains far below the government's target of around 3%.