March 28, 2023 | 20:49 (GMT+7)
CPI increases about 4.2% in first quarter
The consumer price index (CPI) in the first quarter of 2023 is estimated to rise 4.2% - 4.3% year-on-year, according to the Price Management Department under the Ministry of Finance.
The department clarified a number of major reasons behind the increase, including the rising price of housing and construction materials (7.2%), which pushed the CPI in the period up by 1.4%.
Meanwhile, a 4.5% increase in the price of food and foodstuff due to high demand during the lunar New Year festival in early February also contributed 1% to the CPI increase.
At the same time, education service prices rose 11% as some localities ended the tuition fee exemption and reduction scheme that aimed to ease people’s difficulties during COVID-19 pandemic. This also led to 0.6% rise in CPI in the period.
A 3.3% rise in the price of electricity also pushed the CPI up by about 0.1%, the department added.
Source: VNA