Hanoi consumer prices up 0.19% in August

Nhan Dan Online - The cost of living in Hanoi rose slightly as consumer prices went up by 0.19% from the previous month, the municipal statistics agency reported.

Hanoi consumer prices up 0.19% in August

The price gain was mainly boosted by higher food prices and restaurant service costs, which, as a single category, rose by 0.38% month on month.

The reason for this increase was stronger demand for food for the Hungry Ghost Festival, which fell on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, and eggs to make moon cakes for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.

In August, footwear and garment prices also went up 0.38% against the previous month. Utility bills and building materials dropped by 0.18% as cooking gas and gasoline prices fell from July.\

Transport costs also went down by 0.06%, mainly helped by two rounds of petrol price cuts within the last 30 days.

The prices of gold and the US dollar in August declined by 0.41% and 0.32% respectively compared with the previous month.

In Ho Chi Minh City, consumer prices went in the opposite direction, down by 0.05% over July as the city saw price drops in utility bills, household appliances, transport costs and entertainment services.

Medical and telecommunications costs remained unchanged from the previous month.

Meanwhile, food costs and restaurant services rose 0.32%. Drinks and tobacco prices were up slightly by 0.05%. Garment and education costs posted the same gain in August, up 0.1% against July.