The Retail Price Index went up in August by 0.28 per cent over the previous month, reflecting primarily an increase of 3.03 per cent in the water, electricity, gas and fuels index, mainly due to an increase in the surcharge on water and electricity, the National Statistics Office reported yesterday.

A 1.79 per cent increase was registered in the food index, mainly on account of higher prices of fish, vegetables, served meals, unprocessed potatoes and cheese. The beverages and tobacco index went up by 0.97 per cent, mainly as a result of higher prices of served beverages.

Higher prices of air fares were the main factor behind a 0.40 per cent rise in the transport and communications index. An increase of 0.20 per cent in the other goods and services index was due to a price rise in jewellery, watches and clocks. The personal care and health index went up by 0.11 per cent, mainly brought about by higher prices of medicines, hygienic articles and toilet preparations. The household equipment and house maintenance cost index registered an increase of 0.07 per cent as a result of increases in the prices of household textiles and household appliances.

In the main, seasonal sales underpinned a decrease of 5.81 per cent in the clothing and footwear index.

The recreation and culture index decreased by 0.51 per cent, mainly on account of lower prices of audio-visual equipment and sports equipment.

In August, the 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 0.93 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 1.35 per cent.