component, food prices as a whole rose mildly by 0.7% over a year earlier. Within this category, prices of meals out and takeaway food registered an increase of 1.3%, whereas prices of basic food saw a mild decline of 0.4%. Private housing rentals increased mildly by 1.0%. Public housing rentals rose visibly, reflecting the upward adjustment of public housing rents since October 2024. As for other major components, prices of transport, miscellaneous services, miscellaneous goods, and electricity, gas and water recorded marginal to moderate increases in 2025, while prices of clothing and footwear and durable goods continued to decline. Prices of alcoholic drinks and tobacco increased visibly in early 2025, reflecting the surge in tobacco duty with effect in late February 2024, but the increase tapered in the rest of 2025, showing only