The composite consumer prices index (CPI) in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) increased 1.03 percent in July year-on-year to 109.46, slightly lower than a 1.06-percent growth in June, the SAR's statistics department said on Monday.

Macao's Statistics and Census Service data indicated the increment was attributable to higher charges for eating out and outpatient services, as well as rising tuition fees and higher prices of footwear.

Price indices of education and health grew 7.53 percent and 5.22 percent respectively, and price index of food and non-alcoholic beverages that accounted for the largest share went up by 1.80 percent.

The composite CPI in July edged up 0.02 percent month-on-month. Higher charges for package tours during summer holidays pushed up the price index of recreation and culture by 1.84 percent. Price index of food and non-alcoholic beverages gained 0.09 percent on account of rising prices of vegetables and higher charges for eating out, yet receding fruit prices tapered off part of the increment.

For the 12 months ending July 2017, the average composite CPI climbed 1.18 percent from the previous period, with marked increase in the price indices of education (7.53 percent), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (5.94 percent) and transport (5.37 percent).