The Retail Price Index rose by 0.69 per cent in April over the previous month, to 110.16, primarily reflecting an increase of 5.13 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index due to higher prices for clothes, the National Statistics Office reported

yesterday.

The Housing Index increased by 0.67 per cent, mainly due to increases in the cost of maintenance and repair services in respect of dwellings.

An increase in the fees paid for private tuition caused the Recreation and Culture Index to rise by 0.64 per cent. The Transport and Communication Index increased by 0.62 per cent due to increases in the cost of maintenance and repair services for cars and school transport. The Beverages and Tobacco Index increased by 0.52 per cent on account of price increases in served alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The Food Index increased by 0.34 per cent.

Higher prices for fresh vegetables, served meals and takeaway food were recorded. The Household Equipment Index increased by 0.28 per cent due to higher prices for household textiles. The Personal Care and Health Index went up by 0.09 per cent, mainly on account of price increases for medicines, hygienic articles and toilet preparations.

A reduction in prices paid for transport insurance was the main cause of a fall of 0.51 per cent in the Other Goods and Services Index.

The 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 2.04 per cent in April, compared to 2.37 in March.