Inflation Worsens In June To Near Three-year High

Official figures show that the SAR's inflation rate increased to 3.3 percent last month, a steep increase from the 2.8 percent recorded in May.

The Census and Statistics Department said the increase was attributed to rising pork prices and the growing cost of package tours.

Pork prices have increased sharply across Asia in recent months as an outbreak of African swine fever has forced mass culls of pigs, including more than a million hogs on the mainland.

The department says overall price pressures should remain largely contained, but inflation in the near term may hinge on the supply of fresh pork.

It said the government would continue to monitor the inflation situation closely, particularly the impact on people with lower incomes.