Baku:China's annual consumer inflation increased to 0.9% in September, up from 0.8% in August, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics. This figure was slightly below market expectations of 1%.

According to Anadolu Agency, the September inflation rate was the highest since June, influenced by rising non-food prices, although food costs continued to decline. Non-food prices experienced a 1.5% rise year-on-year, compared to a 1.2% increase in the previous month. In particular, transportation and communication costs surged by 4.3%, up from 2.5% in August.

Healthcare prices saw a 2.7% year-on-year increase, and costs associated with education, culture, and recreation rose by 1.4%, both figures remaining unchanged from August. Clothing prices increased by 1.2%, slightly easing from a 1.3% rise the month before. Housing costs decreased by 0.3%, consistent with the decline recorded in August.

Food prices fell for the sixth consecutive month, dropping 1.7% year-on-year following a 1.4% decrease in August, with pork prices notably declining by 10%. Core inflation, which does not factor in food and energy prices, was recorded at 1% year-on-year.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.2% in September, which was below the anticipated increase of 0.3% and a slowdown from August's 0.4% rise.