TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s consumer price index rose 2.6% in June, reaching a 17-month high, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics said Tuesday.
The DGBAS said the increase was mainly driven by a 19.45% jump in fuel costs, a 13.49% rise in airfares, higher prices for computer peripherals, and a 10.05% increase in vegetable prices after heavy rainfall reduced supply, per Liberty TImes. Prices for dining out and rent also continued to rise, while fruit prices fell 13.74% due to a high comparison base.
The DGBAS said overall price growth remained moderate, with no signs of imported inflation. It expects July CPI growth to slow from June as global oil prices decline and the impact of the Dragon Boat Festival fades, per CNA.
Transportation and communications posted the largest year-on-year increase among the seven major CPI categories, rising 4.14%. The increase was mainly driven by higher fuel prices, while international airfares rose due to increased fuel surcharges and vehicle parts and repair costs also climbed.
Education and entertainment prices increased 3.6% year over year, led by a 7.39% rise in educational equipment and supplies, including computers and software. Entertainment services, including tour package fees, also rose 5.08%.
Housing prices increased 2.2% in June, with rents rising 1.78% and costs for gas, household management services, and electricity also higher. Food prices rose 1.78%, led by higher dining-out costs, vegetable prices, and prices for eggs and aquatic products.
Among the 17 key consumer goods monitored by the Cabinet’s price stabilization task force, prices rose an average of 2.17% in June from a year earlier. Egg prices recorded the biggest increase at 9.93%, followed by rice at 6.44%, while pork, shampoo and conditioner, and bath products all rose more than 3%.
