Hong Kong's consumer prices rose 1.4% year over year in February 2025, a slower increase compared with the 2.0% recorded in January, according to data released on Thursday by the Census and Statistics Department.

The smaller increase in February was mainly due to the high base of comparison from February 2024, when the Chinese New Year contributed to higher food prices and package tour charges, the department said.

Net of government relief measures, underlying inflation stood at 1.1% in February, down from 1.6% in January.

Taking the first two months of 2025 together to smooth out the impact of the Chinese New Year, consumer prices increased 1.7% year over year, while underlying inflation was 1.3%.

By category, prices of alcoholic drinks and tobacco surged 20.9%, utilities jumped 13.3%, transport prices rose 2.6%, housing costs increased 1.6%, while miscellaneous goods, outside meals, and takeaway food all saw a 1.2% rise, the department said.

On the other hand, basic food prices decreased by 1.9%, clothing and footwear by 1.9%, and durable goods by 1.1% year over year.

A government spokesman noted that underlying consumer price inflation remained moderate in the first quarter of 2025.