In January 2009, the Retail Price Index went down by 2.25 per cent over the previous month, dropping from 119.12 to 116.44. This primarily reflected a decrease of 19.46 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonal price reductions.

The Transport and Communication Index dropped by 4.17 per cent, mainly brought about by lower fuel prices.

Lower prices of fish underlay a decline of 0.17 per cent in the Food Index.

Seasonal price reductions of household textiles brought about a decrease of 0.13 per cent in the Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index.

The Personal Care and Health Index registered a rise of 0.64 per cent mainly due to price increases in medical services.

The Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index went up by 0.56 per cent, mainly on account of a rise in the electricity meter rent.

Costlier domestic help services brought about an increase of 0.20 per cent in the Other Goods and Services Index.

The Recreation and Culture Index registered an increase of 0.08 per cent, mainly due to price rises in computers and computer parts.

The Beverages and Tobacco Index went up by 0.06 per cent, mainly due to higher prices of non-alcoholic served beverages.

In January the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.26 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 3.58 per cent.

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