In February the Retail Price Index registered an increase of 0.26 per cent while the inflation rate stood at 2.60, the National Statistics Office reported yesterday.

The RPI rise was mainly due to an increase of 3.87 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, to which the primary contributor comprised price increases in outerwear. The Personal Care and Health Index increased by one per cent, brought about by price increases in therapeutic appliances, medical services, dental services, and hygienic articles and toilet preparations.

The Transport and Communications Index increased by 0.36 per cent, mainly due to an increase in the price of air transport services.

An increase of 0.19 per cent was registered in the Recreation and Culture Index, mainly due to the higher price of plants and flowers. The rise in the price of non-alcoholic beverages was reflected in an increase of 0.18 per cent in the Beverages and Tobacco Index.

In contrast, lower prices for vegetables caused the Food Index to decline by 0.56 per cent. The Other Goods and Services Index fell by 0.17 per cent. This fall was mainly caused by price reductions in jewellery, watches and clocks and non-durable household goods.

The 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.60 per cent in February 2007, compared to 2.70 in January.