In February, consumer price index rose by 2.7 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, urban area and rural area was up by 2.5 percent and 3.2 percent respectively; the price of foodstuff, non-foodstuff, consumable and services expanded 6.0, 1.0, 3.0 and 1.8 percent respectively. Compared with January of this year, CPI increased 1.0 percent. Added up from January to February, CPI rose up by 2.4 percent year-on-year.

Referenced with eight categories, the prices of foods rose 6.0 percent over the same month of last year. Of the total, the price of grain was up by 6.8 percent; that of oil or fat, poultry and their products, and fresh eggs rose by 17.4, 15.4, and 30.0 percent respectively; that of aquatic products rose by 3.4 percent; and that of fresh vegetables dropped 10.4 percent; that of fresh fruit and flavoring increased by 7.8 and 3.9 percent respectively.

The price of tobacco, alcohol and daily articles jumped by 1.8 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, the price of tobacco and alcohol rose 1.1 and 3.2 percent respectively.

The price of clothing was up by 0.2 percent year-on-year, of which, the price of clothes increased 0.5 percent.

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 2.2 percent, and that of household services and maintenance surging 7.1 percent.

The price of medical care and personal articles increased 1.4 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 2.5 percent; and that of medical care services was up by 2.5 percent.

The price of transportation and communication declined by 0.4 percent. Of which, the price of vehicles dropped 1.7 percent; that of vehicles fuel and spares increased 10.0 percent; that of using and maintaining of vehicles rose by 3.0 percent; that of intercity transportation rose by 1.0 percent; that of urban transportation increased 3.2 percent; and that of telecommunication services fell 18.4 percent.

The price of recreational, educational and cultural articles, and service decreased 0.8 percent. Of which, price of tuition and baby-care decreased 1.0 percent; that of reference books was down by 0.9 percent; that of recreation increased 3.0 percent; that of tourism was up by 6.5 percent; and that of consumer durables for recreation dropped 0.5 percent.

The price of articles related to dwelling expanded 3.7 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 1.6, 5.7, and 4.4 percent.

(China Development Gateway March 13, 2007)