Vietnam's consumer price index (CPI) rose 4.08% in the first half compared to the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

The increase can be attributed to higher prices for food and food services as well as housing, electricity, water, fuel, and construction materials.

Prices of food and food services surged 4%, while housing, electricity, water, fuel, and construction materials 5.51%.

In contrast, the index for the postal and telecommunications group decreased by 1.41% year-on-year.

The GSO also reported that the CPI in the second quarter soared 4.39% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the core inflation in the first six months increased 2.75%.

The GSO largely attributed the growth of core inflation to rising costs of food, electricity, education, and healthcare services, which are excluded from its calculation.