RPI up 0.37 per cent

The retail price index rose by 0.37 per cent last month, primarily reflecting an increase of 6.44 per cent in the clothing and footwear index, due to seasonal price rises in garments.

The National Statistics Office said the recreation and culture index increased by 0.69 per cent, mainly on account of upward price movements in, among others, audio-visual equipment, plants and flowers.

The beverages and tobacco index increased by 0.11 per cent, mainly due to higher prices for served beverages. Higher prices for medical services and pharmaceutical products caused the personal health and care index to rise by 0.1 per cent.

The other goods and services index rose by 0.08 per cent, mainly on account of higher-priced personal accessories.

Lower prices for air transport and communication services underlay a decrease of 0.39 per cent in the transport and communication index.

In February, the 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 1.58 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 0.50 per cent.