| |
SINGAPORE: Singapore's annual inflation slowed slightly in October after a drop in oil prices.
The consumer price index (CPI) rose 6.4 per cent from a year earlier after rising 6.7 per cent in September, due mainly to higher costs of housing and food.
Housing costs surged 16.4 per cent on-year in October on the back of a 20 per cent increase in house prices in the third quarter, while food prices increased by 7.8 per cent over the same period last year.
Other factors which drove up prices included the 21 per cent increase in electricity tariffs and dearer newspapers and tour packages.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI in October was 0.8 per cent higher compared to September.
Going forward, some economists expect inflation to come down in the next two months. But they expect full-year inflation to be at 6.6 per cent, higher than previously forecast.
- CNA/ir
|
