Rising costs prompt calls for action on prices

The rising cost of food has prompted calls for the government to take measures to stabilize prices, which climbed 15.4 percent year-on-year in July, with the cost of pork and other meat jumping 45.2 percent.

The National Bureau of Statistics said yesterday the price of eggs rose 30.6 percent and edible oil 30.1 percent over the same period last year, while aquatic products were up 5.4 percent and fresh vegetables 18.7 percent.

But analysts said the latest price increases are mainly due to a seasonal short supply of pork, chicken, fresh vegetables and other products.