Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (115.39) for March 2012 increased by 6.22% year-on-year, attributable to the increase in charges for meals bought away from home and dearer prices of vegetables; however, subsidized electricity charges and lower rate of telecommunication services tapered off part of the increase. For the 12 months ended March 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.12% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.87% and 6.33% respectively. In comparison with March 2011, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+27.94%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.50%); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.35%) registered marked increase on account of higher charges for meals bought away from home, dearer prices of fresh pork, vegetables, and a rebound of gasoline prices. On the contrary, price index of Communication dropped by 6.51%. The CPI-A (114.82) and CPI-B (115.94) for March 2012 increased by 6.25% and 6.50% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for March 2012 increased by 0.86% month-to-month, with the price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages; and Household Goods & Furnishings rising by 1.83% and 1.51% respectively. However, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 2.60% on account of seasonal sale of adults' clothing. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 1.02% and 0.84% month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 6.28% year-on-year with noticeable increase in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+27.16%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.61%); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.73%). On the other hand, price index of Communication registered a decrease of 6.42%. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.19% and 6.58% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
