This photo, taken on May 17, 2024, shows citizens enjoying their time in a park in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. (CFP)

The consumer price index (CPI) in Jiangsu Province, a main gauge of inflation, rose by 0.9% year-on-year in July and 0.4% year-on-year over the first seven months, according to the data released by the provincial survey office of the National Bureau of Statistics on August 28.

Specifically, the prices of food, tobacco and liquor, clothing, and residence increased by 0.6%, 1.8%, and 0.1% in July, respectively. Prices of household facilities, articles and services rose by 1.0%, while prices in the category of education, culture and recreation went up by 0.8%, and those for health care and medical services by 6.0%.

Among food items, prices surged for pork by 17.7%, aquatic products by 3.2%, and fresh vegetables by 2.9% in July. Prices of beef, fresh fruits, and chicken decreased by 10.9%, 10.1%, and 2.2%, respectively.