Inflation increases, but sharp rise seen as unlikely with signs 'stable'

Despite short-term fluctuations, China's consumer inflation remains stable, and a broad rise in prices is not likely in the coming months, according to senior officials at the nation's top economic regulator.

"The current price inflation level remains stable, and no signs have appeared to indicate a continued rise of inflationary pressure," said Meng Wei, a spokeswoman for the National Development and Reform Commission, during a news conference on Wednesday. "While inflation might be affected by seasonal and other short-term factors, the overall price level is expected to remain largely stable."

China's consumer price index rose 2.5 percent in September from a year earlier, accelerating for a fourth consecutive month, with food prices jumping the most since February, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.