Overall consumer prices rose 1.7% in March year-on-year, less than the 2.1% average rate of increase in January and February, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in March’s underlying inflation rate was also 1.7%.

Compared with March last year, price increases were seen in electricity, gas and water, alcoholic drinks and tobacco, clothing and footwear, meals out and takeaway food, transport, miscellaneous services and miscellaneous goods.

On the other hand, compared to the same period last year, decreases in basic food, durable goods and housing were recorded.