The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices decreased in November, mainly on account of the Restaurants and Hotels and the Transport Indexes, with the rate of inflation standing at 2.8 per cent, the National Statistics Office reported yesterday.

In November, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went down by 3.4 per cent. This primarily reflected a decrease of 14.5 per cent in the Restaurants and Hotels Index due to seasonal price decreases in Accommodation Services.

A 4.2 per cent decrease was registered in the Transport Index, mainly due to lower prices of fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and passenger transport by air. The Recreation and Culture Index decreased by 2.8 per cent, mainly due to price reductions for computers and package holidays.

The Housing Index decreased by 0.6 per cent due to a reduction in the water and electricity surcharge and a decrease in kerosene prices. The Health Index decreased by 0.2 per cent as a result of price reductions in pharmaceutical products.

During November, the Clothing and Footwear Index went up by 2.4 per cent. The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index rose by 1.1 per cent, mainly due to price increases in bread and cereals, fresh fish, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.

The Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index increased by 0.3 per cent, largely due to price increases in social protection and in jewellery, clocks and watches. The Furniture Index increased by 0.2 per cent, mainly due to price increases in household textiles, household appliances and non-durable household goods.

The inflation rate in November dropped to 2.8 per cent from 3.1 per cent in October.