Macau’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.06 percent in March compared to the same period last year, while the monthly index experienced a slight dip of 0.18 percent. This data, released today by the Statistics and Census Service, highlights the current inflationary pressures within the territory, reflecting subtle shifts in both consumer purchasing habits and broader economic costs for residents and visitors alike.
The uptick in the annual index was largely driven by rising costs in key sectors, specifically food and non-alcoholic beverages, which saw a 1.12 percent increase due primarily to higher prices for meals consumed out and take-away options.
Additionally, the transport sector experienced a notable rise of 1.89 percent, which the DSEC attributed directly to the increasing cost of gasoline currently impacting daily travel and commuting expenses.
Beyond essential goods, other categories also contributed to the upward trend. Prices in the miscellaneous goods and services sector, which covers items such as personal care, insurance, jewelry, and watches, climbed by 3.12 percent.
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Similarly, the recreation, sports, and culture sector saw a significant increase of 3.02 percent year-on-year, indicating a growing consumer willingness to spend on discretionary and leisure activities.
Contrasting these trends, the price index for alcohol and tobacco products bucked the general movement by decreasing by 0.26 percent on an annual basis. Meanwhile, the average general CPI for the 12-month period ending in March, covering data from April 2024 through March 2025, rose by 0.53 percent, suggesting a period of sustained but generally moderate price stability across the territory’s economy.
