Inflation rate rises marginally

In April 2002, the rate of inflation stood at 3.65 per cent, up from 3.62 per cent the previous month, the 11th monthly increase in a row from a low of 1.89 per cent in May last year.

The National Statistics Office said that the rate in April, 2001 was 1.91 per cent.

In April 2002, the Retail Price Index also went up by 0.20 per cent over March and reached 117.79.

The food items index went up by 0.20 per cent over the previous month, mainly due to average price increases in respect of chicken and rabbits, frozen meat, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. In the same month, average price drops were recorded in respect of fresh fish and potatoes.

Higher average prices for soft drinks, beers and juices pushed up the Beverages and Tobacco index by 0.39 per cent over the previous month.

The Transport and Communications index declined 0.81 per cent as a result of the drop in the price of fuel. Higher average prices for a range of medicinal products resulted in a 0.23 per cent increase in the Personal Care and Health index.

The Education, Entertainment and Recreation index increased by 2.24 per cent. The recorded increase was mainly due to higher private school and school transport fees as well as higher average prices in respect of books, magazines and periodicals, entertainment equipment and gardening and related accessories.

The Other Goods and Services index went up by 0.06 per cent over the previous month.