Data from the Department of Statistics showed that in the first six months of the year, households in the lowest 20 per cent income group were hardest hit by inflation, compared to the other income groups.
While the CPI for all items averaged 5.1 per cent for all households during this period, this group experienced a 6.3-per-cent increase in prices.
In comparison, the middle- and high-income households experienced price increase averaging 5.2 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively.
In a statement, the department said: "However, these overall differences between the groups were attributable to higher imputed rentals on owner-occupied accommodation, which have no impact on the actual cash expenditure of such households as they own their homes."
It added: "Excluding these imputed rentals on owner-occupied accommodation the CPI increases were comparable for the three income groups, at 4.1 per cent, 3.9 per cent and 4.0 per cent for the lowest 20 per cent, middle 60 per cent and highest 20 per cent income groups, respectively."
DBS economist Irvin Seah noted that some lower-income families - those who cannot afford to own homes and have to resort to renting - would have felt the full brunt of inflation.
- http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120724-0000044/Pace-of-inflation-quickens-again
"This is why it is important to note that public housing remains affordable," he added.
While the CPI for all items averaged 5.1 per cent for all households during this period, this group experienced a 6.3-per-cent increase in prices.
In comparison, the middle- and high-income households experienced price increase averaging 5.2 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively.
In a statement, the department said: "However, these overall differences between the groups were attributable to higher imputed rentals on owner-occupied accommodation, which have no impact on the actual cash expenditure of such households as they own their homes."
It added: "Excluding these imputed rentals on owner-occupied accommodation the CPI increases were comparable for the three income groups, at 4.1 per cent, 3.9 per cent and 4.0 per cent for the lowest 20 per cent, middle 60 per cent and highest 20 per cent income groups, respectively."
DBS economist Irvin Seah noted that some lower-income families - those who cannot afford to own homes and have to resort to renting - would have felt the full brunt of inflation.
- http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120724-0000044/Pace-of-inflation-quickens-again
"This is why it is important to note that public housing remains affordable," he added.
