The 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.94 per cent last month whereas the annual rate stood at 4.04 per cent, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

The Retail Price Index went up by 0.36 per cent over May, from 114.58 to 114.99. This primarily reflected an increase of 1.79 per cent in the transport and communications index, due to higher prices for fuels.

The beverages and tobacco index went up by 0.69 per cent, on account of more expensive non-alcoholic beverages.

The recreation and culture index registered an increase of 0.28 per cent, brought about by a rise in the price of some stationery items.

The clothing and footwear index grew by 0.25 per cent, mainly on account of rises in the prices of garments. A 0.20 per cent increase in the housing index was reflected in costlier electricity equipment and other articles and materials related to house decoration.

The water, electricity, gas and fuels index went up by 0.18 per cent because of more expensive kerosene.

Price increases in medical services underlay an upward shift of 0.13 per cent in the personal care and health index.

The other goods and services index went up by 0.08 per cent, mainly due to price rises in non-durable household goods.

A drop of 0.70 per cent was recorded in the food index because of cheaper fruits and vegetables.