Prices of prepared food are expected to increase as certain ingredients and vegetable prices rise, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
The headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.95% in July year-on-year, following a 2.42% uptick in June.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the TPSO, attributed the increase to elevated domestic fuel prices as prolonged tensions in the Middle East continued to affect global energy markets. Higher fuel costs also pushed up public transport fares.
In addition, prices of prepared food rose broadly at a relatively strong pace and are anticipated to continue rising as the prices of certain ingredients have gradually risen.
Fresh vegetable prices also increased from a year earlier, partly due to a low comparison base last year and the effects of El Niño.
