In October 2009, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went down by 0.4 per cent over the previous month and now stands at 111.46 per cent. This primarily reflected a decrease of 5.1 per cent in the Communication Index, mainly due to lower prices for mobile phone services.

The Restaurants and Hotels Index went down by 4.3 per cent, mainly due to seasonal price decreases of accommodation services.

Lower air fares caused the Transport Index to go down by 0.6 per cent.

The Health Index decreased by 0.1 per cent, mainly on account of a drop in the price of some pharmaceuticals.

The Clothing and Footwear Index went up by 10.3 per cent, mainly on account of seasonal price increases in garments.

The Education Index rose by 8.8 per cent, mainly on account of higher tuition fees.

The Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index registered an increase of 0.6 per cent due to price increases in some jewellery items.

Higher prices for fruit and vegetables caused the Food and Non-alcoholic beverages Index to increase by 0.3 per cent.

Higher prices of computers underlay an upward shift of 0.1 per cent in the Recreation and Culture Index.

The Furniture, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Index registered an increase of 0.1 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices for furniture.

An upward movement in the price of certain materials used for the repair and maintenance of dwellings caused the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index to go up by 0.1 per cent.

In October, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.7 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at -0.5 per cent.

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