CPI up 2.89%, industrial production down

Headline inflation as measured by changes in the Consumer Price Index increased by 2.89% year-on-year in March 2005, the Department of Statistics announced.

The Consumer Price Index for March 2005 increased by 0,85 units or 0,72% to 119,60 units compared to 118,75 in February 2005. This is mainly due to increases in the prices of clothing, footwear and furnishing items due to sale discounts as well as to increases in the prices of petroleum products. Decreases have been recorded in the prices of certain fresh vegetables and medicines.

The rate of increase of the Index for March 2005 compared to March 2004 was 2,89%, while for the period January-March 2005 the CPI recorded an increase of 2,88% compared to the corresponding period of 2004.

Industrial production edges lower

The Index of Industrial Production for January 2005, (Base 2000=100), reached 101,0 units. For January 2005 the Index recorded a decrease of 1,6% compared to January 2004. For Manufacturing the Index for January 2005 reached 91,9 units, recording a decrease of 4,7% compared to January 2004, the Statistics Department said.