In July, the Retail Price Index went down by 0.58 per cent, according to figures from the Nationals Statistic Office. This primarily reflected a decrease of 12.24 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonal price reductions in garments. A drop of 1.34 per cent was registered in the Food Index, mainly on account of lower prices of fruit and vegetables. Cheaper travel articles caused the Other Goods and Services Index to go down by 0.25 per cent. The Housing Index edged down by 0.20 per cent, mainly as a result of lower-priced tiles. A downward movement in the price of household textiles underlay a decrease of 0.08 per cent in the Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index.

The Transport and Communication Index increased by 2.26 per cent, mainly on account of costlier air fares. An upward movement in the price of wines caused the Beverages and Tobacco Index to go up by 0.13 per cent. Higher prices for personal grooming services caused the Personal Health and Care Index to rise by 0.11 per cent.

In July, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.50 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 2.83 per cent.

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