South Korea: Gradual CPI rise keeps BoK cautious – ING
Bitcoin Ethereum News INGs Senior Economist Min Joo Kang notes that South Korean inflation accelerated in April on higher energy prices, but government measures such as food vouchers, a gasoline price cap and frozen utility tariffs helped limit the increase. Core inflation remains near 2%, yet ING expects headline inflation to climb towards 3% by June, keeping the Bank of Korea (BoK) alert to upside risks. Government support cushions energy-driven pressures “South Koreas consumer price inflation accelerated to 2.6% year-on-year in April from 2.2% in March, matching market consensus but below our estimate of 2.8%. The downside surprise was mainly due to a larger-than-expected drop in food prices.” “Though inflation reached a 21-month high in April, government measures such as food vouchers, a gasoline price cap, and freezing utility prices helped limit increases in food and energy. Inflation excluding food and energy stayed at 2.2% for the second month.” “As expected, energy prices rose the most. Oil and petroleum prices increased by 21.9% YoY, adding 0.84 ppt to overall inflation. Fuel price cap measures reduced energy price hikes, keeping them lower than in other major economies.” “Among services, housing rental prices edged up 1.0%, showing a gradual hike since Jan 2024 (-0.2%). Due to Korea‘s unique