NEWS RELASE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
January 2006
February 14, 2006

The January Consumer Price Index Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reveals that the All Jamaica 'All Group' Consumer Price Index for January 2006 was 2295.7. This shows a 0.1 percent increase over the index for December 2005. The rate of inflation for the month of November was 0.3 percent. The rate of inflation for the fiscal year to date March 2005 to January 2006 was 11.4 percent, in comparison to the 11.6 percent for the corresponding period in 2005.

A look at the regional indices shows an increase of 0.1 percent for each of the three regions namely: "Kingston Metropolitan Area", "Other Towns" and "Rural Areas.

During the month of January 2006, increases in the index were recorded for all the major groups, with the exception of 'Food and Drink', which fell, by 0.3 percent. The most significant movement among the seven sub-groups was recorded for the sub-groups 'Vegetables and Fruits',, which fell by 4.7 percent. The index for the sub-group'Starchy Foods' also recorded a decline of 2.6 percent. The highest increases were recorded for the sub-groups' Meat, Poultry and Fish' which rose by 1.2 percent and 'Baked Products, Cereals and Breakfast Drink' which had an increase of 0.8 percent. The index for the sub-group 'Meals Away from Home' and Dairy products, Oils and Fats' each increased by 0.7 percent. There was a 0.6 percent increase in the index for the sub-group 'Other Food and Beverages'.

The index for the group 'Fuels and Other Household Supplies' rose by 1.1 percent, with a significant movement of 1.3 percent obtained for the sub-group 'Fuels' and an increase of 0.9 percent recorded for 'Household Supplies'.

The Consumer Price Index Bulletin January 2006 further outlines additional information and may be obtained from the distribution office of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica 7 Cecelio Avenue Kingston 10.