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.
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R.Gauci
May 22nd 2009, 19:26
@ Philip Bonello How can you explain the fact that even things being bought from the UK and paid by the sterling are also increasing when the rate of exchange of it had never been so favourable for buyers? I live in Ireland at the moment and prices here especially of food stuffs and other day to day items are going down not up 1 example a bottle of Milk x 2 ltrs costs 1.49 euros now instead of 1.65 and yes they import most of the things from abroad just like Malta especially from the UK. Here they had huge price increasment just once when they joined the euro but their wages went up accordingly and are one of the best in Europe at 8.65 per hour minimum wage!! Did the inflation in Malta expolding just after we joined the Euro zone??!! I am not against the Euro zone to make it clear but keeping accepting this matter how you are doing wouldn't solve this problem!! After all even the Prime Minister promised us that NECC was going to be turned to an agency monitoring prices do you remember that ?
Galea. L
May 22nd 2009, 16:46
Philip Bonello
Then can you explain how prices in most other eu countries dropped down while those in Malta continued to increase?
Philip Bonello
May 22nd 2009, 15:24
In a small country like our which depends almost exclusively on import for all that we consume, the cost of living will continue to rise; and this process will never stop because it depends on other countries and governments, not ours.
r ferriggi
May 22nd 2009, 11:51
IVA POSSIBLI LI FDAN IL PAJJIZ ZGHIR IL PREZZIJIET SE JIBQGHU TIELGHIN??
MA NAFX TORT TA MIN PERO DAN HUWA FATT.
SPECJALMENT META IL PAGI TAGHNA HUMA FOST LINQAS.
MA RRIDX NESAGERA PERO DAN JIKKONFERMAHH ANKE IT TURISTI.
mario gellel
May 22nd 2009, 11:42
Hurray,Gonzipn,We are feeling high
Maybe soon a new police unit wil be formed to stop Maltese Families begging in the streets.
A new Attraction for a change.
Galea. L
May 22nd 2009, 11:42
"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."
4c in €100 only? Is this a sick joke or something?
"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."
PULL THE OTHER ONE NSO.
Braden Sammut
May 22nd 2009, 11:40
These indications show that the Government had done a good decision to cut electricity tariffs as it went down by 9.18%. This measure will help SME'S and other firms which have electricity as a large proportion of their costs. This will encourage them to lower their price. It is important that the Government continues to eliminate taxes which cause the general price level to increase. It will be wise to remove the tax on tourists, better regulation on prices of medicine and health related products.