RPI up 0.29 per cent in September

In September, the Retail Price Index went up by 0.29 per cent. This primarily reflected an increase of 10.49 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonally higher prices of garments.

An upward movement in the prices of vegetables and fruit caused the Food Index to go up by 0.86 per cent. Higher prices for served beverages underlay an increase of 0.60 per cent in the Beverages and Tobacco Index.

The Housing Index went up by 0.32 per cent on account of higher prices of materials used in the maintenance and repair of dwellings.

Costlier travel articles brought about a rise of 0.25 per cent in the Other Goods and Services Index.

The Personal Health and Care Index edged up by 0.12 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices for private hospital services. The Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index added 0.09 per cent as a result of higher gas prices.

The Transport and Communication Index went down by 2.25 per cent, mainly due to lower air fares. Lower prices for certain books and audio-visual equipment caused the Recreation and Culture Index to decrease by 0.31 per cent.

In September, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.73 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 2.76 per cent.