HCM City CPI drops 0.2 percent in August hinh anh 1Illustrative photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City’s consumer price index (CPI) in August dropped 0.2 percent over the previous month, but rose 1.78 percent over the same time last year, reported the municipal Statistics Office on August 24.

In August, decreases were seen in prices of three goods groups, leading by transportation with a 2.4 percent month on month reduction due to the falling fuel price.

Post and telecommunication prices fell a slight 0.07 percent, while food and catering service prices declined 0.19 percent.

Meanwhile, an upturn was seen in the remaining groups, with prices of goods and other services rising 0.22 percent; culture and entertainments 0.2 percent; and housing, water, power, fuel and construction materials, 0.18 percent.

Drop was also recorded in prices of education with 0.18 percent; garments, hats and footwear 0.01 percent; home equipment and appliances 0.09 percent; and beverage and cigarette 0.01 percent.

The prices of pharmaceuticals and health care services stayed stable during August.

The same month, the USD price was down 0.04 percent, while gold price rose 2.23 percent month on month.-VNA
VNA