TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The consumer price index (CPI) broke through the 2% barrier in May to reach 2.24%, up from 1.95% the previous month, the government said Thursday (June 6).

The unstable weather caused the price of fruit and vegetables to rise faster than expected, according to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). Other factors contributing to the increase were the cost of eating out and rent, per UDN.

Registration fees at hospitals and the electricity rate hike in April also played a part, along with the strong travel demand. Only a fall in demand for eggs caused a price drop, which offset some of the price rises.

If fruit and vegetable prices were left out, inflation would stand at 1.86%, while if electricity increases were also discarded, the core CPI would amount to 1.84%.

The inflation figure for the period from January to May stood at 2.24%, the DGBAS said. The rise in the CPI might play a role in a decision by the Central Bank on June 13 on whether or not to raise interest rates, per CNA.