RPI down

The Retail Price Index went down by 0.37 percent in July, primarily reflecting a decrease of 7.63 percent in the clothing and footwear index, mainly on account of seasonal price decreases in women's outerwear.

A fall of 2.10 percent was registered in the food index, mainly due to price decreases in fruit. Lower prices of liquid fuels caused the water, electricity, gas and fuels index to go down by 0.59 percent.

The recreation and culture index decreased by 0.26 per cent, mainly due to a downward shift in the fees charged for the hiring and leasing of venues.

Lower prices of some household textiles had a downward effect of 0.14 percent on the household equipment and house maintenance cost index. The transport and communication index went up by 2.91 percent, mainly due to higher prices of transport fuels.

The housing index registered an increase of 1.06 percent, mainly on account of higher prices of various construction works.

Upward shifts in the prices of certain cosmetic and toilet preparation articles caused the personal care and health index to go up by 0.20 percent.

The other goods and services index registered an increase of 0.06 percent on account of price rises in certain jewellery items. In July the 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 3.95 percent, whereas the annual rate stood at 1.48 percent.