But the January consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.76 per cent from a year earlier, according to the HCM City Statistics Bureau. — Photo VNA

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — In January consumer prices in HCM City fell by 0.48 per cent month-on-month, the sharpest decline in January in several years as the slump in petrol, kerosene, and cooking gas prices had an impact on prices.

But the January consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.76 per cent from a year earlier, according to the HCM City Statistics Bureau.

Since early 2014, fuel prices have fallen on 15 occasions. In January they fell by a further 1.5 per cent as prices of transportation services also dropped by 4.8 per cent.

Housing, electricity, water, and construction materials prices declined by 1.5 per cent, post and telecom services saw a 0.16 per cent decrease, and household utensils became 0.03 per cent cheaper.

Prices of drugs, education and health services remained unchanged. Some prices rose. Food prices went up by 0.34 per cent, beverages and tobacco by 0.22 per cent, hospitality services by 0.2 per cent, garments, footwear and hats by 0.19 per cent, and cultural and entertainment services by 0.1 per cent. The gold price index was down by 0.02 per cent while US dollar gained 0.58 per cent. — VNS