The July Consumer Price Index Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica revealed that the All Jamaica 'All Group' Consumer Price Index for July 2006 was 2394.5 this represented a movement of 1.4 percent over the 2362.3 index recorded for the previous month. In June the rate of inflation stood at 1.3 percent, while for May it was 0.4 percent. For the period July 2005 to July 2006 the rate of inflation stood at 8.2 percent. For the Calendar year to date, December 2005 to July 2006, the rate of inflation was 4.4 percent relative to 8.9 percent for the corresponding period last year.

A look at the regional indices showed increases for all three regions: Kingston Metropolitan Area, (0.8 percent), Other Towns (1.6 percent) and Rural Areas (1.9 percent).

For the month of July, increases were reflected in all eight major group indices. The index for the group 'Food and Drink' showed a 1.4 percent movement, with increases in the index for the seven sub-groups that make up the group. The index for the sub-group 'Starchy Foods' recorded a 7.7 percent increase, while 'Meat, Poultry and Fish' moved upwards by 0.5 percent. 'Meals Away from Home' and 'Dairy Products, Oils and Fats' each increased by 0.4 percent, Increases of 0.3 and 0.1 percent were recorded in the index for the sub-group 'Baked Products, Cereals and Breakfast Drinks', and 'Other Food and Beverages respectively. The index for the sub-group 'Vegetables and Fruit' recorded a 0.2 percent decline.

The index for the group 'Housing and Other Housing Expenses' rose by 3.9 percent while 'Miscellaneous Expenses recorded an increase of 1.3 percent.

The index for the group 'Fuels and Other Household Supplies' increased by 0.4 percent, with upward movements of 0.5 and 0.3 percent obtain in the index for the sub-groups 'Fuels' and 'Household Supplies' respectively.

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