Tobacco pushes retail price index up 0.29%

In December, the Retail Price Index went up to 105.44 from 105.13 in November 2011. The increase, 0.29%, primarily reflected an increase of 1.43% in the beverages and tobacco Index, mainly due to higher prices of cigarettes.

The Transport and Communication Index registered a rise of 0.81% mainly due to costlier airfares. Seasonally higher prices of garments underlay an increase of 0.77% in the clothing and footwear Index. An upward rise of 0.20%  in the household equipment and house maintenance cost Index was due to higher prices of carpets, household appliances and textiles.

The personal care and health index went up by 0.017%, mainly due to higher prices of toiletries and hygienic articles. The other goods and services Index also so an increase of 0.09%, mainly due to higher prices of veterinary services and pet food.

Lower prices of vegetables and fish contributed to a fall of 0.07% in the food index. The recreation and culture index dropped by 0.52% on account of lower-priced books and TV services.

In December, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.72%, whereas the annual rate stood at 2.12%.