The Finance Ministry’s statistical service published the Consumer Price Index for December 2001 which showed an increased by 0,56 units or 0,51% to 110,43 units compared to 109,87 in November 2001. This is mainly due to increases in the prices of certain fresh vegetables and potatoes. A decrease has been recorded in the price of electricity.

For the period January to December 2001 the CPI recorded an increase of 1,97% compared to the corresponding period of 2000. The rate of increase of the Index for December 2001 compared to December 2000 was 2,37%.

In particular, the Index for December 2001 for Food & non-alcoholic drinks was118, 41, for alcoholic drinks and tobacco 123,06, clothing & footwear 102,34, for housing, water, electricity & gas 110,60, Furnishings, household equipment and supplies 103,57, for Health 116,94, for Transport 107,73, for Communication 83,03, Recreation & leisure 100,61, for Education 119,11, Restaurants & hotels 117,49 and for Miscellaneous goods & services 110,87.