In April, consumer price index rose by 3.0 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, urban area and rural area was up by 2.9 percent and 3.4 percent respectively; the price of foodstuff, non-foodstuff, consumable and services expanded 7.1, 1.0, 3.4 and 1.9 percent respectively. Compared with March, CPI decreased 0.1 percent.

In view of different categories, the price of foodstuff increased 7.1 percent year-on-year. Of the total, the price of grain was up by 6.1 percent; that of oil or fat, poultry and their products, fresh eggs, aquatic products, fresh vegetables and spices rose by 6.1, 18.6, 17.6, 30.4, 4.1, 3.1 and 3.8 percent respectively; while that of fresh fruits dropped 3.8 percent.

The price of tobacco, alcohol and daily articles jumped by 1.7 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, the price of tobacco and alcohol rose 0.9 and 3.3 percent respectively.

The price of clothing was down by 0.2 percent year-on-year, of which, the price of clothes remained the general level.

The price of household appliances and maintenance services rose by 2.2 percent year-on-year. Of which, the price of durable consumer goods rose by 2.4 percent, and that of household services and maintenance surging 6.2 percent.

The price of medical care and personal articles increased 1.5 percent year-on-year. Of which, the price of western medicines decreased 1.6 percent; that of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and medicines was up by 4.4 percent; and that of medical care services shot up by 2.1 percent.

The price of transportation and communication dropped 0.2 percent. Of which, the price of vehicles dropped 2.2 percent; that of vehicles fuel and spares increased 6.1 percent; that of using and maintaining of vehicles rose by 3.2 percent; that of intercity transportation rose by 4.8 percent; that of urban transportation increased 2.8 percent; and that of telecommunication services fell 17.6 percent.

The price of recreational, educational and cultural articles decreased 1.2 percent. Of which, price of tuition and baby-care decreased 0.8 percent; that of teaching materials dropped 0.7 percent; that of recreation increased 2.7 percent; that of tourism and outgoing was up by 1.8 percent; and that of consumer durables for recreation dropped 0.4 percent.

The price of articles related to dwelling expanded 4.2 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, price of water, electricity and fuel, construction and decoration materials, and housing rent was respectively climbing 2.5, 5.1 and 3.9 percent.

From January to April, the general level of accumulated CPI increased 2.8 percent year-on-year.

(China Development Gateway May 14, 2007)