Thai Sept CPI beats forecast as state subsidies end (updated)

CPI SA

05/10/2021 07:49

* Sept headline CPI +1.68% y/y vs 0.70% in Reuters poll
    * Ministry sees inflation at 0.8% to 1.2% this year

 (Adds detail, forecasts)
    BANGKOK, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Thailand's headline consumer
price index (CPI) rose more than expected in September as
government utility subsidies ended and energy prices increased,
the commerce ministry said on Tuesday.
    The CPI rose 1.68% in September year-on-year, the most in
four months, compared with a forecast for a rise of 0.70% in a
Reuters poll. It followed August's 0.02% dip.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N2Q805M
    October's CPI is expected to be similar to September's pace,
ministry official Wichanun Niwatjinda told a news conference on
Thursday.
    Consumer prices in the fourth quarter are likely to increase
further, driven by higher oil prices, improved economic activity
after the easing of coronavirus restrictions and a weaker baht
currency  THB=TH , he said.
    "Our inflation is not high like other countries because of
government support measures," he said, adding main inflation was
expected at 0.8% to 1.2% this year, barring additional
government measures to reduce living costs.
    In September, the core CPI index was up 0.19% from a year
earlier, compared with a forecast for a 0.20% rise.
    In the January-September period, headline CPI rose 0.83%
from a year earlier, with the core rate up 0.23%.        

 (Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Kitiphong Thaichareon;
Editing by Martin Petty)
 ((orathai.sriring@tr.com;))