Extreme weather blamed for September inflation
Official figures released on Friday showed that Hong Kong's overall consumer prices rose by 2 percent in September over the same period a year ago, up from the 1.8 percent rise recorded the month before.  Netting out the effects of the government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate last month was 1.8 percent. "The larger increase was mainly due to the increases in food prices, in particular for fresh vegetables whose prices increased significantly due to the impact of typhoons and extreme weather conditions occurred in September," the government said.  The cost of alcoholic drinks and tobacco saw the steepest hike, which jumped by nearly 19 percent.  This was followed by a 6.5 percent rise in clothing and footwear, while prices for meals out and takeaway food saw a 4 percent increase.  "Looking ahead, overall inflation should stay moderate in the near term. External price pressures are expected to abate further. While domestic business cost might face some upward pressures, it should remain contained in the near term," a government spokesman added.