Inflation expected to go down in Q2

Inflation could dip to 7.5 percent in the second quarter from 8 percent in the first, but inflationary pressures will stay strong because of surging grain prices and robust investment, said a top government think tank.

"Seasonal changes and government measures to boost agricultural supplies may cause consumer prices to slide in the second quarter," the State Information Center said in a report. "But inflationary pressure is still mounting because of domestic and international factors."

The Beijing-based think tank falls under the National Development and Reform Commission.