The June Consumer Price Index Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reveals that the all Jamaica ‘All Group’ Consumer Price Index for June 2006 was 2362.3 this represents a movement of 1.3 percent over the 2332.6 index recorded for the previous month. In April the rate of inflation stood at 1.1 percent, while for May it was 0.4 percent. For the period June 2005 to June 2006 the rate of inflation was 8.4 percent. For the Calendar year to date, December 2005 to June 2006, the rate of inflation was 3.0 percent compared to 7.2 percent for the corresponding period last year.

A look at the regional indices shows increases for all three regions ‘Kingston Metropolitan Area’, 0.7 percent, ‘Other Towns’ 0.9 percent and ‘Rural Areas’ 2.2 percent.

During the month of June 2006, all the groups recorded higher indices than the previous month. The index for the group ‘Food and Drink’ recorded the most significant movement of 2.0 percent, with increases in the index for all the sub-groups that make up this group. ‘Starchy Foods’ recorded an 11.2 percent increase, while ‘Meat, Poultry and Fish’, ‘Dairy Products, Oils and Fats’, ‘Baked Products, Cereals and Breakfast Drinks’ ,and ‘Vegetables and Fruit’ all showed similar increases of 0.7 percent. ‘Meals Away from Home’ and ‘Other Food and Beverages’ both moved upwards by 0.5 percent.

The index for the group ‘Fuels and other Household Supplies’ increased by 0.9 percent, reflecting upward movements in the index for the sub-groups “Fuels” (1.3 percent) and, ‘Household Supplies (0.3 percent.). ‘Housing and Other Housing Expenses’, and ‘Household Furnishings and Furniture’ showed a similar movement of 0.9 percent.

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