QSA releases Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2013

A comparison of the CPI of January, 2013 with that of the previous month (CPI of December, 2012) by major groups, features increases in five groups, which were 'Entertainment, recreation and culture', by 2%, 'Furniture, Textiles and Home Appliances', by 1.8%, 'Rent, Fuel and Energy by 1%, 'Food, Beverages & Tobacco' by 0.9% and Medical care & Medical services', by 0.8%.

On the other hand, a drop in prices were noted in three groups namely: 'Garments & Footwear':0.4%, and 'Miscellaneous goods & services': 0.5%, and 'Transport and Communications' 0.1%.

The year-on-year comparison, comparing the CPI of January 2013 with that of January 2012, shows increases of 3.4% at the overall level. Increases were recorded in all the groups except 'Garments and Footwear', where prices declined by 0.9%. The highest increases were recorded in the groups: "Entertainment, recreation and culture' :7.5%; the increase was mainly attributed to the rise in Education training services, 'Rent, Fuel and Energy: 4.4%, and 'Furniture, Textiles & Home Appliances' :4.1%,,'Food, Beverages & Tobacco':3.0%. The price indices in other groups increased between 1.4% and 2.2%.

A CPI exclusive of 'Rent, Fuel and Energy' group has also been calculated. After eliminating the effect of rent, the overall index reached 125.0, showing an increase of 0.6% compared to the CPI of December 2012, and an increase of 3.0 % when compared to the month of January 2012.