The Retail Price Index rose in July to 110.67 from 110.53 in June, while the inflation rate stood at 1.10 per cent.

The 0.13 per cent rise primarily reflected an increase of 1.40 per cent in the Transport and Communications Index, mainly due to higher prices for air fares and fuels. A 1.19 per cent increase was registered in the Food Index, mainly on account of higher prices for fruit, vegetables and cereals. The Housing Index rose by 0.91 per cent, mainly as a result of higher prices for materials and services for the repair and maintenance of dwellings.

The Beverages and Tobacco Index increased by 0.36 per cent, mainly on account of increases in served non-

alcoholic beverages. An increase of 0.26 per cent in the Water, Electricity, Gas and Fuels Index was due to a price rise in “other fuels”. The Other Goods and Services Index registered an increase of 0.20 per cent, due to a rise in the price of insurance

policies. The Household Equipment and House Maintenance Cost Index also increased by 0.12 per cent, mainly due to price increases in household appliances.

Seasonal sales were the main factor behind a decrease of 8.70 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index. The Recreation and Culture Index decreased by 0.16 per cent, mainly on account of lower prices of audio-visual equipment and books.