In December, the Retail Price Index went up by 0.29 per cent. This primarily reflected an increase of 1.43 per cent in the Beverages and Tobacco Index, mainly due to higher prices of cigarettes. Costlier airfares caused the Transport and Communication Index to rise by 0.81 per cent. Seasonally higher prices of garments underlay an increase of 0.77 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index. Higher prices of carpets, household appliances and textiles brought about an increase of 0.20 per cent in the Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index. A rise of 0.17 per cent was registered in the Personal Care and Health Index, mainly on account of higher prices of toiletries and hygienic articles.

The Other Goods and Services Index edged up by 0.09 per cent, mainly due to higher prices for veterinary services and pet food.

Cheaper books and TV services caused the Recreation and Culture Index to go down by 0.52 per cent. The Food Index decreased by 0.07 per cent, mainly due to lower prices of vegetables and fish.

In December, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.72 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 2.12 per cent.

These figures come from the National Statistics Office.

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