The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went up by 0.2 per cent last month over the previous month, the National Statistics Office reported yesterday. This primarily reflected an increase of 3.9 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, due mainly to increases in the prices of garments.

The Health Index registered an increase of 1.7 per cent, mainly due to an increase in medical and paramedical services, therapeutic appliances and equipment, and dental services. An increase of 0.5 per cent was also registered in the Transport Index due to higher prices of motor cars and passenger transport by air. The Recreation and Culture Index increased by 0.3 per cent, mainly due to price increases of information-processing units, recording media, games and toys, plants and flowers and package holidays.

An increase in the price of beer caused the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Index to go up by 0.2 per cent. A rise of 0.1 per cent in the Housing Index was due to higher prices of materials used for the maintenance and repair of dwellings.

The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index decreased by 0.7 per cent mainly on account of price decreases of seasonal items. During February, both the Furniture, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Index and the Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index decreased by 0.1 per cent.

Price decreases in respect of carpets, furniture, furnishings and floor coverings caused the Furniture Index to fall. Likewise, the Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index decreased, mainly on account of price reductions recorded for jewellery, watches and financial services.

The 12-month moving average inflation rate in February dropped marginally to 2.4 per cent from 2.5 per cent in January.