VGP – The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in May picked up 0.49% against the previous month, increased 1.5% compared to December 2018 and witnessed a year-on-year increase of 2.88%, according to the General Statistics Office. 

The CPI witnesses an average growth of 2.74% over the recent five months of 2019
in comparison with the same period last year, the lowest figure recorded over the
recent three years. 

The CPI saw an average growth of 2.74% over the recent five months of 2019 in comparison with the same period last year, the lowest figure recorded over the recent three years. 

Nine among 11 commodities witnessed increases in prices including transport 2.64%, housing, electricity and building material up 1.28%, beverage and tobacco up 0.18%, other services up 0.13%, garments, hats and footwear up 0.12%, equipment and housing commodities 0.11%, culture, entertainment and tourism up 0.1%, restaurants and food services up 0.05% and education up 0.05%. 

The prices of medicines and health services and telecommunications decreased 0.06% and 0.05%, respectively. 

The core inflation excluding food, energy and items under control of the State (including health and education services) in May picked up 0.13% compared to the previous month and up 1.9% against the same period last year.