In October, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went down by 0.6 per cent over the previous month. This primarily reflected a decrease of 7.1 per cent in the Restaurants and Hotels Index, due to seasonally cheaper accommodation services. A downward movement in the prices of mobile phones caused the Communication Index to drop by 1.8 per cent. The Recreation and Culture Index registered a decrease of 0.5 per cent, mainly on account of lower-priced package holidays. Lower fees for certain services related to the minor repairs of dwellings resulted in the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index declining by 0.4 per cent. The Furniture, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Index went down by 0.1 per cent, mainly due to a drop in the prices of furniture and furnishings.

The Clothing and Footwear Index increased by 15.3 per cent on account of seasonally higher prices of garments. A rise in tuition fees caused the Education Index to go up by 2.5 per cent. The Transport Index registered a 0.2 per cent increase, mainly brought about by a rise in the price of fuels. An upward movement in the price of fruit was the main factor underlying a 0.1 per cent growth in the Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages Index. A similar movement was recorded in the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Index due to higher prices in respect of wine.

In October, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 1.4 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at 2.2 per cent.

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