In September 2008, there was a marginal increase in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices over the previous month. This was primarily caused by an increase of 8.0 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to the introduction of the winter stock in the market.

The Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages Index went up by 2.6 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices of fish, vegetables and fruit. Upturns in the prices of pharmaceutical products brought about an increase of 0.5 per cent in the Health Index.

The Furniture, Household Equipment & Routine Maintenance of the House Index went up by 0.1 per cent due to higher prices of household appliances.

The Restaurants and Hotels Index went down by 2.7 per cent on account of seasonal price reductions in accommodation services.

A decrease of 1.5 per cent was registered in the Transport Index, mainly due to lower air fares. A decrease of 0.2 per cent was recorded in the Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index, mainly due to lower prices of luggage and other travel accessories.

In September, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.0 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at 4.9 per cent.

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