HCMC: CPI in April Edges Higher

In April, Ho Chi Minh City’s consumer price index (CPI) increased 0.38% compared to the previous month and 3.48% year-on-year.

Of the 11 commodity groups used to calculate the CPI, only 2 (culture, entertainment, and tourism) saw a decrease in prices. All other groups saw an increase, with the transportation group experiencing the highest increase at 2.23%.

The increase in transportation costs can be attributed primarily to soaring gasoline prices, which rose 4.78% as a result of five adjustments to retail gasoline prices.

In addition, the demand for transportation services during the holidays led to a 3.98% increase in public transportation fares.

In April, the gold price index increased by 1.88% compared to the previous month. Photo: UYEN TU

The second-highest increase was in the housing, electricity, water, fuel, and construction materials group, which saw a 0.82% increase.

Electricity prices for households increased by 3.37% due to increased demand during the prolonged hot weather; rental housing prices increased by 0.53%; and house maintenance materials increased by 0.42% due to higher demand and input costs.

The price index for other goods and services increased by 0.43%. Notably, jewelry increased by 1.89% due to the recent rise in gold prices.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office, the CPI in the first four months of the year increased by 3.12% compared to the same period last year. Of the 11 commodity groups used to calculate the CPI, only the postal and telecommunications group decreased by 3.95%.

Prices in all other groups increased, with the highest increase in the medicine and healthcare services group.

The gold price index in April increased by 1.88% compared to the previous month and 22.49% compared to the same period last year. The average increase in the first four months of 2024 was 17.91% compared to the same period in the previous year.

Uyen TU