NEWS RELEASE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
November 2006

December 14, 2006

The Consumer Price Index Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica revealed that the All Jamaica 'All Group' Consumer Price Index for November 2006 was 2413.5. This was indicative of a 0.2 percent decrease over the index of 2417.9 recorded for October. The monthly inflation rate trended downwards by 0.1 percent in October, while in September there was an upward movement of 0.7 percent. The rate of inflation for the calendar year December 2005 to November 2006 was 5.2 percent, relative to 12.8 percent for the corresponding period last year. The rate of inflation for the fiscal year to date stood at 5.1 percent.

A look at the regional indices showed declines for two of the three regions: Kingston Metropolitan Area by (0.2 percent) and Rural Areas by (0.3 percent), while Other Towns increased by (0.0 percent).

For the month of November, increases were recorded in five of the eight major group indices. The most significant upward movement was recorded in the index for the sub-group 'Fuels and Other Household Supplies' which rose by 0.6 percent. The three major groups experiencing declines in their index were 'Food and Drink', 'Housing and Other Housing Expenses' and 'Transportation.

The all Jamaica index for the group 'Food and Drink' declined by 0.2 percent.

This was due largely to reductions in the index for the sub-groups 'Starchy Foods' and 'Vegetables and Fruit' of 5.1 percent and 0.5 percent. Increases of less than one percent were recorded in the index for the sub-groups 'Dairy Products, Oils and Fats' (0.9 percent), 'Meat, Poultry and Fish'( 0.8 percent), 'Meals Away from Home' (0.7 percent), 'Other Food and Beverages' (0.7 percent) and 'Baked Products, Cereal and Breakfast Drink'(0.4 percent).

The index for the group 'Healthcare and Personal Expenses' increased by 0.5 percent Similar upward movements of 0.3 percent were recorded for 'Household Furnishings and furniture' and 'Personal Clothing, Footwear and Accessories. 'Miscellaneous Expenses' rose by 0.2 percent.

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