In May, the Retail Price Index edged up by 0.02 per cent. This primarily reflected an increase of 2.87 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index due to seasonally higher prices of garments. Higher prices for books contributed to a rise of 0.72 per cent in the Recreation and Culture Index.

The Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index registered an increase of 0.30 per cent, mainly due to an upward movement in the prices of household textiles.

The Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index was higher by 0.24 per cent.

A rise of 0.18 per cent was recorded in the Personal Care and Health Index, mostly brought about by costlier make- up and hygienic articles.

The Food Index went up by 0.16 per cent, mainly on account of fruit price rises. An upward shift in the prices of alcoholic beverages caused the Beverages and Tobacco Index to go up by 0.14 per cent.

Lower airfares caused the Transport and Communication Index to decline by 1.33 per cent.

In May, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.51 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 1.75 per cent.

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