The April Consumer Price Index Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reveals that the all Jamaica ‘All Group’ Consumer Price Index for April 2006 was 2323.3, this represents a movement of 1.1 percent over the index for the month of March, which was 2297.1. In March the rate of inflation was 0.1 percent, while for February it was negligible. The rate of inflation for the period April 2005 to April 2006 was 10.6 percent. For the Calendar year to date, December 2005 to April 2006, the rate of inflation was 1.3 percent compared to 3.4 percent for the corresponding period last year.

A look at the regional indices shows increases for all three regions ‘Kingston Metropolitan Area’, 0.8 percent, ‘Other Towns’ 0.8 percent and ‘Rural Areas’ 1.8 percent.

For the month of April 2006, all the groups recorded higher indices than the previous month. The index for the group ‘Food and Drink’ recorded a 1.1 percent increase. The sub-groups that recorded increases were ‘Meals Away From Home’ 0.5 percent, ‘Meat, Poultry and Fish’ up by 1.0 percent, ‘Dairy Products, Oils and Fats’ (0.9 percent) ‘Baked Products, Cereals and Break fast Drinks’ (0.3 percent) ‘Starchy Foods’ (6.1percent), and ‘Other Food and Beverages’ (0.9 percent). The sub-group ‘Vegetables and Fruit’ recorded a decline of 1.9 percent.

The index for the group ‘Fuels and other Household Supplies’ increased by 0.4 percent. There was a 3.9 percent rise in the index for the group ‘Housing and Other Housing Expenses’, while ‘Household Furnishings and Furniture’, moved upwards by 1.2 percent.

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