The National Bureau of Statistics of China says in January the consumer price index rose by 2.2% over the same period of 2006.

Of that total, urban areas and rural areas were up by 2.0% and 2.6%, respectively. Looking at different categories, the price of foodstuff, non-foodstuff, consumables and services expanded 5.0, 0.7, 2.6 and 0.7%, respectively. Compared with December of previous year, CPI increased 0.7%.

Of the total increase in foodstuff, the price of grain was up by 6.9%. Oil, poultry and their products, and fresh eggs rose by 16.7, 13.5, and 21.4%, respectively. Aquatic products remained at the same level and fresh vegetables dropped 11.9%.

The price of tobacco, alcohol and daily articles jumped by 1.5% over the same period of 2006. Of that total, the price of tobacco and alcohol rose 0.9 and 2.8%, respectively.

The price of household appliances and maintenance services rose by 2.0% year-on-year. Of that, the price of durable consumer goods rose by 2.2%, and that of household services and maintenance surged 4.4%.

The price of medical care and personal articles increased 1.3% year-on-year. In that total, the price of Western medicines decreased 1.6%, but traditional Chinese medicinal materials and medicines was up 2.1%. Medical care services shot up by 2.3%.

The overall price of transportation and communications expanded by 0.3%. The price of vehicles dropped 1.9% and vehicle fuel and spares increased 10.8%. The cost of using and maintaining vehicles rose by 2.6%. Telecommunication services fell by 18.1%.

The price of recreational, educational and cultural articles decreased 2.3%. Prices of tuition and baby-care decreased 1.6% and tourism was also down by 4.2%.

The price of articles related to homes expanded 3.8% over the same period of the previous year. Of that total, the price of water, electricity and fuel; construction and decoration materials; and housing rent respectively climbed 2.0, 5.7, and 4.0%.