Inflation hits low of 1.26

May’s inflation rate hit a low of 1.26 per cent, the lowest level since at least January 1999 and far below May 2002’s rate of 3.64.
In May this year, meanwhile, the Retail Prices Index went up by 0.33 per cent to 100.73 from 100.40 in the previous month.
The Food items index increased by 0.40 per cent to 102.23 from 101.82 in the previous month as a result of average price increases in respect of fresh fruit and take-away foods. Price drops were recorded in respect of fresh vegetables and potatoes.
At 102.06, the Beverages and Tobacco index rose by 0.03 per cent over the previous month. Price increases were recorded in respect of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Clothing and Footwear index went up by 0.16 per cent to 95.16 from 95.01 in the previous month. Within this group, average price increases were recorded in respect of a range of girls’ clothing items.
The Household Equipment and House Maintenance Costs index dropped by 0.38 per cent to 98.56 as a result of lower average prices for household appliances and furniture.
The Transport and Communications index went up by 0.20 per cent and reached 101.44. Increases in average prices were recorded in respect of land transport services and cars, while drops were recorded in the average price of mobile telephones.
The Personal Care and Health index increased by 3.04 per cent to 103.35 as a result of average prices increases in respect of a range of medicinal and toiletry items within the group.
The Recreation and Culture index declined by 0.07 per cent to 99.35 as a result of average prices drops in respect of a range of audio-visual equipment.
At 101.01, the Other Goods and Services index went up by 0.33 per cent mainly as a result of higher average prices for jewellery items and non-durable household goods.