In February 2009, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went up by 0.8 per cent over the previous month, rising to 107.33 from 106.46. This primarily reflected an increase of 5.6 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonal price rises in garments.

Higher vegetable prices brought about an increase of 2.4 per cent in the Food and non-alcoholic beverages Index .

An upward shift of 2.2 per cent in the Health Index was mainly brought about by an increase in the fees for medical and paramedical services.

Higher jewellery prices underlay an increase of 0.6 per cent in the Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index.

Upward movements in the prices of served meals and beverages resulted in an increase of 0.5 per cent in the Restaurants and Hotels Index.

The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index registered an increase of 0.2 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices of materials for the maintenance and repair of dwellings.

Decreases in the prices of motor cars caused the Transport Index to go down by 0.6 per cent.

The Recreation and Culture Index registered a decrease of 0.4 per cent, mainly due to lower prices of computers.

The Alcoholic beverages and tobacco Index decreased by 0.1 per cent, due to lower prices of spirits.

In February, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.6 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at 3.5 per cent.

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