Inflation remains unchanged at 2.5 percent

Hong Kong's inflation rate remained unchanged at 2.5 percent last month, the Census and Statistics Department said on Friday. Official figures showed the prices of meals out and takeaway food increased at a moderated pace over a year earlier while those of basic food inched up further. But prices of energy-related items continued to show a visible decline, according to the latest data. Looking ahead, a government spokesman said inflation should stay mild in the near term. "Domestic costs may face some moderate upward pressures as the Hong Kong economy continues to grow. External price pressures should moderate further in broad terms, though geopolitical tensions may pose uncertainties," the spokesman explained.