Hanoi (VNA) - The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 1.82 percent yearon year between January and September, the slowest hike since 2016, the GeneralStatistics Office (GSO) has announced.

At a pressconference on September 29, GSO General Director Nguyen Thi Huong largelyattributed the rise to the global fuel price hikes; higher educational servicecosts resulting from a tuition fee increase for the 2020-2021 school year; andhigher domestic rice prices following higher prices of exported rice products,stronger demand in the Lunar New Year holiday, and stockpile demand duringsocial distancing periods.

During thenine-month period, core inflation inched up by only 0.88 percent annually, the lowestsince 2011.

InSeptember alone, the CPI reduced by 0.62 percent from August and grew 2.06percent against the same month in 2020.

Huong saidresons behind the monthly drop included social distancing-induced rental pricereductions, lower or exempted tuition fees in some areas, lower food pricesthanks to stable supply sources, and lower electricity prices as part of VietnamElectricity’s support programme for customers.

During themonth, core inflation was down 0.26 percent from August and up 0.74 percent yearon year.

Givencomplicated developments of the pandemic, units and sectors at all levels,under the Government’s close direction, have actively implemented measures forCOVID-19 prevention and control and price stabilization, Huong stressed./.