In April 2009, the Retail Price Index went up by 0.13 per cent over the previous month, edging up to 118.65 from 118.50. This primarily reflected an increase of 3.25 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonal price increases in women’s outerwear and footwear.

The Transport and Communication Index went up by 3.09 per cent, mainly on account of higher air fares and prices of package holidays.

Upward movements in the price of medicines and the fees for medical services were the main causes of an increase of 0.40 per cent in the Personal Care and Health Index.

The Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index went up by 0.28 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices of carpets and household textiles.

A rise in the price of some items of electrical equipment brought about an increase of 0.27 per cent in the Housing Index.

Higher prices of wine and non-alcoholic beverages underlay an increase of 0.19 per cent in the Beverages and Tobacco Index.

The Recreation and Culture Index registered a rise of 0.10 per cent, mainly due to an increase in the prices of sport equipment and books.

The Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index went down by 9.18 per cent, mainly on account of lower electricity tariffs.

Lower prices of vegetables mainly underlay a drop of 1.63 per cent in the Food Index.

In April the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.36 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 4.01 per cent.

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