RPI keeps rising

The Retail Price Index edged slightly higher last month to 118.65 from 118.50 in March, the National Statistics Office said.

The NSO said this primarily reflected an increase of 3.25 percent 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 percent, 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 0.4 percent in the personal care and health index.

The household equipment and house maintenance cost index went up by 0.28 percent, 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 percent in the housing index.

Higher prices of wine and non-alcoholic beverages underlay an increase of 0.19 percent in the beverages and tobacco index. The recreation and culture index registered a rise of 0.10 percent, 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 percent, mainly on account of lower electricity tariffs.

Lower prices of vegetables were the result of a 1.63 percent drop in the food index.

The 12-month moving average rate of inflation last month stood at 4.36 percent, whereas the annual rate stood at 4.01 percent.