In August, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went up by 0.2 per cent over the previous month, the National Statistics Office said today. In August the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.9 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at 3.2 per cent.

HCIP increases were primarily reflected in an increase of 0.8 per cent in the Transport Index, mainly as a result of higher fuel prices. Seasonally higher prices of fish caused the Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages Index to increase by 0.5 per cent. Upturns in the price of package holidays underlay an increase of 0.4 per cent in the Recreation and Culture Index.

The Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Index rose by 0.3 per cent, mostly due to higher prices of wine. Upward movements in the price of materials for the maintenance and repair of dwellings caused the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index to edge up by 0.1 per cent. Similar increases were recorded in the Health Index on account of costlier medical and paramedical services, and in the Communcation Index due to more expensive mobile phones.

The Clothing and Footwear Index registered a decrease of 1.4 per cent, mainly due to seasonal lower prices for garments. A drop in the price of furniture and furnishings resulted in a 0.4 per cent decrease in the Furniture, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Index. Lower prices of jewellery brought about a 0.2 per cent decrease in the Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index.

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