In April 2009, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went up by 2.3 per cent over the previous month, rising from 108.97 to 111.48. This primarily reflected an increase of 11.7 per cent in the Restaurants and Hotels Index, mainly due to seasonal price rises in accommodation services.

Higher prices of package tours resulted in an increase of 3.8 per cent in the Recreation and Culture Index.

Upward shifts in the prices of garments underlay an increase of 3.2 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index.

The Transport Index went up by 1.7 per cent, mainly due to higher airfares.

An upward movement in the price of certain medical services brought about an increase of 1.1 per cent in the Health Index.

A rise in the price of wine was the main factor behind an increase of 0.3 per cent in the Alcoholic beverages and Tobacco Index.

The Furniture, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Index registered an increase of 0.3 per cent, mainly due to increased prices of tools, equipment and other miscellaneous accessories used in house maintenance.

The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index went down by 3.3 per cent, mainly on account of lower electricity tariffs.

Lower prices of vegetables were mainly responsible for a drop of 1.8 per cent in the Food and Non-alcoholic beverages Index.

In April, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.5 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at 4.0 per cent.

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