In October 2008, the Retail Price Index went up by 2.14 per cent over the previous month, from 116.84 to 119.34. This primarily reflected an increase of 14.51 per cent in the Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index, mainly due to higher water and electricity tariffs.

The Clothing and Footwear Index went up by 8.86 per cent, as a result of price rises in clothing items.

The Food Index registered an increase of 3.13 per cent, with price increases of vegetables and fruit being the main contributory factor.

Higher educational fees and prices of newspapers underlay an increase of 1.52 per cent in the Recreation and Culture Index.

The Housing Index rose by 0.73 per cent, mainly on account of costlier maintenance and repair of dwellings.

The Beverages and Tobacco Index registered an increase of 0.55 per cent, which was mainly brought about by higher prices of served non-alcoholic beverages.

Upward shifts in the prices of motor cars and road transport resulted in a 0.16 per cent rise in the Transport and Communication Index.

The Personal Care and Health Index went up by 0.14 per cent on account of higher prices of products used for personal hygiene and of other toilet preparations. Increases in pet food prices caused the Other Goods and Services Index to rise by 0.12 per cent.

In October the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 3.99 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 5.42 per cent.

Permalink: October Retail Price Index increased to 119.34 from 116.84