Health, transport costs lead consumer price index in 2025

Meanwhile, tech and clothing prices slide.

Health and transport costs led Singapore’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) by category, recording increases of 2.7% and 2.5%, respectively, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

Rising health insurance costs drove the increase in healthcare prices, whilst higher car prices, bus and train fares, and point-to-point transport services contributed to the growth in transport costs.

Food prices rose 1.2%, reflecting higher costs for hawker food and restaurant meals, whilst housing and utilities and education each increased by 0.7%, due to shifts in accommodation, water, private tuition, educational courses, and overseas university fees.

Price declines in other categories offset some of these gains. Information and communication costs fell 1.9%, and recreation, sport, and culture prices decreased by 1.1%, the MTI report said.

Clothing and footwear prices dropped 0.9% due to lower costs for ready-made garments and footwear, whilst household durables and services declined 0.4%, driven by reductions in furniture, furnishings, and household textiles.

Miscellaneous goods and services fell 0.2%, as personal effects costs decreased, the report said.

Overall, Singapore’s CPI-All Items inflation for the year reached 0.9%, down from 2.4% in 2024. The index rose 1.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, whilst quarter-on-quarter inflation was 0.7%.