By Crystal Hsu / Staff reporterThe consumer price index (CPI) last month climbed to a 21-month peak of 1.85 percent, as recreation, food and miscellaneous item costs increased over the Lunar New Year holiday, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) said yesterday. The inflation gauge after seasonal adjustments increased a fractional 0.11 percent, suggesting stable consumer prices, the agency said. Education and recreation expenses increased 2.99 percent as travel agencies and hotels raised group tour charges and room rates, the monthly report showed. Transportation and communication costs rose 0.31 percent, as oil prices grew 6.68 percent, muting a 6.55 percent decline in telecommunications charges, it said. Core CPI, a more reliable inflation tracker as it excludes volatile items, increased 1.33 percent, lending support to the outlook for stable prices, Chiou said.

Source: Taipei Times February 06, 2020 15:56 UTC