Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for March 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in March 2026 over the same month a year earlier, larger than the average rate of increase in January and February 2026 (1.5%). Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in March 2026 was 1.6%, also larger than the average rate of increase in January and February 2026 (1.3%). The comparison to the average rate of increase in January and February is to neutralise the effect caused by the different timing of the Chinese New Year between two years, which occurred in February this year but in January last year.

Comparing March 2026 with February 2026, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2026 was 1.7%, the same as that in February 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2026 was 1.6%, also the same as that in February 2026.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending March 2026 was 0.2%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending February 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were both 0.1%.

Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively in March 2026, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.4% across all sub-indices in January and February 2026, and 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.9% respectively in February 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.7% respectively in March 2026, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.1%, 1.3% and 1.4% respectively in January and February 2026, and 1.3%, 1.6% and 1.8% respectively in February 2026.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending March 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2026 were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.2% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were all 0.1%, and the corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2026 were 0.0%, 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in March 2026 for miscellaneous services (4.6%), transport (3.9%), electricity, gas and water (3.9%), miscellaneous goods (2.8%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.1%), basic food (1.2%), housing (1.0%), and meals out and takeaway food (0.8%).

On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in March 2026 for durable goods (-2.2%), and clothing and footwear (-0.7%).

In the first quarter of 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.5%, 1.6% and 1.6% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.5% respectively.

For the 12 months ending March 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.4% over the same period a year earlier.  The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.7%, 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that consumer price inflation accelerated somewhat but stayed moderate in March. The underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over a year earlier, up from 1.3% in January and February combined. The acceleration mainly reflected the faster increases in prices of fuel-related components in the month, amid the upsurge in international oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, price pressures on other components were largely contained.

Looking ahead, elevated international oil prices will likely continue to feed through to the relevant components in consumer prices gradually in the near term, with the final impacts hinging on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Yet, as price pressures from other sources generally stay contained, this should help rein in the potential upward pressure on overall inflation. The Government has introduced short-term targeted measures to address the recent increase in fuel prices, and will continue to monitor the development closely.

Further information

The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for March 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.

More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).

For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (April 23) that because of an oil spill, the red flag has been hoisted at Anglers’ Beach in Tsuen Wan District. The beach has been closed until further notice. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (April 23) that the short-term tenancy of the Central Harbourfront Event Space (Event Space), covering an area of about 3.7 hectares, has been awarded to Central Grand Limited (CGL), a joint-venture company formed by Henderson Land Development Company Limited and YW Company Limited, for a fixed term of five years commencing on July 1. CGL shall manage and maintain the Event Space for the hosting of events pursuant to the strengthened terms and requirements on venue management.
 
A two-envelope approach was adopted in the tender exercise, with the technical proposal weighted at 70 per cent and the price proposal at 30 per cent. A total of six tenders were received. Upon assessment of the tenders on the proposed large-scale signature events, the number of days for commercial events and the number of free public events, as well as their commitments on various parameters including the arrangement on opening up the Event Space for free public enjoyment on days when no events are held, the tender is awarded to CGL which achieved the highest combined score for its technical and price components. During the tenancy term, the successful tenderer will pay the Government a monthly rental of $1,518,000 in accordance with its tender proposal.

After evaluating the six tenders, the Government considered that large-scale signature commercial events featured in the successful tenderer’s proposal would best utilise the harbourfront resources and the site space, with a strong appeal to the public and visitors, and would also help promote a mega-event economy and enhance the vibrancy of the harbourfront. CGL’s proposal also outlines practical implementation plans, such as offering flexible package options during large-scale signature events as proposed in the tender proposal, which provide promotional information and discounts of other tourist attractions and gourmet hotspots in Hong Kong, with the aim of enhancing the overall appeal of the Event Space and extending visitors’ stays in Hong Kong.
 
As regards space sharing, CGL will not only open up the Event Space to the public for free on days when no events are held in accordance with the tender conditions, but will also provide free facilities such as jogging trails or leisure facilities. In addition, even with ongoing commercial events or rehearsals, if more than one-third of the site area has no events taking place, CGL will implement flexible venue layouts and adaptive boundary arrangements to open up the non-event area for public use. Such flexible arrangements will enhance pedestrian accessibility and visual permeability of the harbourfront.
 
CGL is required to implement events and manage the venue in accordance with the undertakings in the technical proposal.  A clause will be added in the new tenancy to the effect that if the actual number of event days held at the Event Space as rented out each year falls short of the commitment, the tenant is required to pay a compensation amount to the Government (equivalent to 10 per cent of the monthly rent of the Event Space for each day of shortfall). The arrangement aims to ensure the tenant would fully utilise the Event Space, and deliver on its commitments as stated in the tender proposal.
 
The Central Harbourfront Event Space is a significant landmark at Victoria Harbour and has hosted a multitude of large-scale outdoor events and performances over the years, gaining widespread popularity. The DEVB has refined the tenancy terms to encourage the successful tenderer to bring in a rich diversity of events and enable the public to better enjoy the unique appeal of the Central Harbourfront. Relevant terms include:
 
(1) While a two-envelope approach was adopted in this tender exercise, the weighting given to the technical proposal was increased from 40 per cent in the previous exercise to 70 per cent. The assessment of the technical proposals considered not only the diversity of events and their ability to enhance the vibrancy of the harbourfront, but also their appeal to visitors, so as to provide ongoing support for the mega-event economy;

(2) The fixed term of the new tenancy is extended from three years to five years, with a view to incentivising the successful tenderer to make long-term investments and planning as well as to deliver events with due emphasis on both quality and quantity;

(3) The successful tenderer is required to provide, within one year from the commencement of the new tenancy and on a regular basis, food and beverage facilities with a floor area of not less than 100 square metres in the northern part of the Event Space adjacent to the promenade area. Apart from synergising with the events to be held at the Event Space, the facilities would also provide service to harbourfront visitors outside the period of any particular events; and

(4) The requirement will continue for the tenant to run events for the public for at least about 30 per cent of days in its annual schedule. In addition, to avoid under-utilisation of the Event Space when no events or events relatively small in scale are taking place, if no less than about one-third of the Event Space remains unused for events or is left unrented for a period of three consecutive days or longer, the tenant is required to open that portion of the Event Space for public enjoyment and leisure activities free of charge.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Asia Food Licence Engineering Company Limited and its responsible officer, a manager, were prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violating the requirements under the Employment Ordinance (EO). The company and its responsible officer pleaded guilty at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (April 23) and were fined a total sum of $95,000. The company and its responsible officer were also ordered to pay the employees concerned an outstanding sum of about $159,000.
 
The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay five employees’ wages within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and termination of the employment contract, totalling about $157,000. The company also failed to pay the awarded sum of about $159,000 in total to the five employees within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT). The responsible officer concerned was prosecuted and convicted for his consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.
 
“The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO, as well as the sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board,” a spokesman for the LD said.
 
“The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees’ statutory rights,” the spokesman added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 3-year RMB institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 05GB2912002) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 23).

A total of RMB1.0 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB11.374 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 11.37. The average price accepted is 102.85, implying an annualised yield of 1.563 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results

Tender results of 3-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date	:	April 23, 2026
Issue Number	:	05GB2912002 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	84596 (HKGB2.37 2912-R)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	April 27, 2026
Tenor	:	3 years
Maturity Date	:	December 10, 2029
Coupon Rate	:	2.37%
Amount Applied	:	RMB11.374 billion
Amount Allotted	:	RMB1.0 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	11.37
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	102.85 (1.563% (Note))
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	102.77 (1.586% (Note))
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 100%
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	102.54 (1.651% (Note))

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.557 per cent, 1.580 per cent and 1.644 per cent respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 10-year RMB institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 10GB3505001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 23).
 
A total of RMB1.5 billion 10-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB10.235 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 6.82. The average price accepted is 103.24, implying an annualised yield of 1.908 per cent.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date	:	April 23, 2026
Issue Number	:	10GB3505001 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	85024 (HKGB2.29 3505-R)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	April 27, 2026
Tenor	:	10 years
Maturity Date	:	May 15, 2035
Coupon Rate	:	2.29 per cent
Amount Applied	:	RMB10.235 billion
Amount Allotted	:	RMB1.5 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	6.82
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	103.24 (1.908 per cent(Note) )
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	103.23 (1.909 per cent(Note) )
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 40 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	102.67 (1.977 per cent(Note) )

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.899 per cent, 1.900 per cent and 1.967 per cent respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in March showed a rise of 325 cases, representing an increase of 0.2 per cent compared with that of February, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (April 23).
      
     The total CSSA caseload at the end of March stood at 194 549 (see attached table), with a total of 256 221 recipients.
      
     Analysed by case nature, permanent disability cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.3 per cent to 16 272 cases. 
      
     Low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.6 per cent to 1 271 cases. Unemployment cases increased by 0.5 per cent to 15 240 cases. Both old age cases and ill-health cases increased by 0.2 per cent to 111 678 cases and 28 234 cases respectively. Single parent cases increased by 0.1 per cent to 17 913 cases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region