Consumer price index, 15 April 2000

The CPI in April 2000 was at 105.1 (1998=100). In March, it was at 104.7 per cent, and in April last year it was at 102.4.

Price increase from March to April

The Consumer Price Index went up by 0.4 per cent from March to April. The main contributing factor was the price rise of clothing following a seasonal sale earlier this year. There was also an increase in the price of shoes, but more moderate than for clothing. In all, the prices for clothing and footwear increased by 5.9 per cent.

Rental for housing increased by 0.4 per cent from March to April, while the price of maintenance materials fell by 0.6 per cent during the same period.

There has also been an increase in the price of some products and services for recreation and culture, particularly tickets to sporting events, as well as leisure boats.

The year-to-year growth

From April last year to April 2000, the CPI increased by 2.6 per cent. A sharp rise in the price of energy products such as fuels, heating oil and paraffin over the last 12 months, due to higher oil prices, explains most of the overall change in the CPI. The price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased by 6.9 per cent over the last twelve months, due to a rise in excise duties. An increase in the prices for transport services has also been registered.

Prices for clothing, telephone services and audio-visual equipment have been falling for several years. Over the last year, prices for clothing have declined by just above 6 per cent.