In December 2008, the Retail Price Index went up by 0.13 per cent, from 118.97 to 119.12, over the previous month. This primarily reflected an increase of 1.93 per cent in the Food Index, mainly on account of higher prices of vegetables and fruit.

Higher prices of garments caused the Clothing and Footwear Index to increase by 1.01 per cent. The Housing Index registered an increase of 0.23 per cent, mainly due to higher rents.

An upward shift in the price of some accessories brought about an increase of 0.21 per cent in the Other Goods and Services Index.

Price rises of non-alcoholic beverages underlay a 0.06 per cent increase in the Beverages and Tobacco Index.

The Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index also registered a slight increase.

Lower fuel prices caused a drop of 1.97 per cent in the Transport and Communication Index. The Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index registered a decrease of 0.41 per cent, mainly due to price reductions in kerosene.

A decrease of 0.05 per cent was recorded in the Personal Care and Health Index on account of a downward shift in the prices of various articles used in personal hygiene. The Recreation and Culture Index also registered a marginal decrease.

In December the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.26 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 4.93 per cent.

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