Price of eating out in Taiwan rose 3.5% in May

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Although Taiwan's consumer price growth slowed in May, the cost of dining out rose significantly.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics said Thursday the Consumer Price Index, CPI, rose 1.55% year-on-year in May. This represented a deceleration in price increases compared to April.

Despite the overall decline in inflation, the cost of eating out, a daily expense for many, experienced a significant 3.5% year-on-year increase, the fastest pace in 15 months. This means that even with a moderating CPI, the public continues to directly feel the impact of increasing prices.

The CPI annual growth rate hit its lowest level in over four years. The core CPI, which excludes fruit, vegetables, and energy, stood at 1.61%, remaining largely stable.