The Retail Price Index was unchanged in December while the inflation rate decreased to 2.77 per cent, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

In December, the retail price index was unchanged at 109.88. A decrease of 1.06 per cent was registered in the Food Index due to price decreases in vegetables.

The beverages and tobacco and other goods and services indexes fell marginally during the month.

An increase of 1.61 per cent was registered in the clothing and footwear index. The household equipment and house maintenance cost index also increased, by 0.67 per cent, mainly due to price increases in furniture. The recreation and culture index increased by 0.37 per cent, mainly on account of price increases for books and newspapers.

The transport and communications index increased by 0.24 per cent, mainly due to price increases in air fares. Other increases were registered in the personal care and health index and in the housing index.

The 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.77 per cent in December 2006, compared to 3.01 per cent in November.