The May Consumer Price Index Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reveals that the all Jamaica ‘All Group’ Consumer Price Index for May 2006 was 2332.6, this represents a movement of 0.4 percent over the index of 2323.3 recorded for the month of April. Inflation rates of 1.1 percent and 0.1 percent were recorded for the months of April and March, respectively. Point to point inflation for the period May 2005 to May 2006 stood at 8.6 percent. For the Calendar year to date, December 2005 to May 2006, the rate of inflation was 1.7 percent compared to 5.7 percent for the corresponding period last year.

A look at the regional indices shows increases for all three regions ‘Kingston Metropolitan Area’, 0.4 percent, ‘Other Towns’ 0.5 percent and ‘Rural Areas’ 0.3 percent.

For the month of May 2006, increases were recorded for seven of the eight group indices. There was a 0.3 percent increase in the index for the group ‘Food and Drink’, with increases, recorded in five of the sub-groups that make up the group. ‘Meat, Poultry and Fish’ recorded the most significant movement of 1.5 percent. ‘Other Food and Beverages’ rose by 0.9 percent, ‘Baked Products, Cereals and Break Drinks’ (0.8 percent) ‘Meals Away From Home’ 0.5 percent, while ‘Dairy Products, Oils and Fats’ (0.4 percent). The index for the sub-group ‘Starchy Foods’ and ‘Vegetables and Fruit’ recorded a decline of 1.9 percent and 1.0 percent respectively.

Upward movement in the indices were also seen in six other groups with ‘Fuels and other Household Supplies’ 1.1 percent and Transportation 1.0 percent reflecting the highest increases.

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