The Singapore Department of Statistics has reported a 0.5% decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2026 compared to the previous month, whilst noting a 1.4% increase from January 2025. This fluctuation highlights the ongoing shifts in consumer prices across various sectors in Singapore.
The year-on-year rise was significantly influenced by the health sector, which saw a 4.4% increase, and the transport sector, which rose by 2.4%. Health insurance costs notably surged by 16.4%, contributing to the overall increase in the health category. Meanwhile, the transport sector’s growth was driven by a 4.2% rise in land transport services.
Conversely, the month-on-month decline was largely attributed to the housing and utilities sector, which fell by 1.4%. This drop was mirrored in the accommodation and utilities subcategories, both experiencing a 1.4% decrease. The information and communication sector also saw a decline, with a 1.9% reduction in prices.
Food prices showed a modest increase of 1.2% year-on-year, with specific items like fish and other seafood experiencing a notable 2.7% rise month-on-month. However, oils and fats saw a decrease of 1.1% in the same period.
These changes in the CPI reflect the dynamic nature of consumer prices in Singapore, influenced by various economic factors. The data serves as a crucial indicator for policymakers and businesses to understand inflationary trends and make informed decisions. As the year progresses, monitoring these trends will be essential for anticipating future economic conditions.
