Up Front
Consumer Price Index IncreasesFirst Quarter of 2001
The All Items Index for the first quarterof 2001 increased by 1.4 percent in comparison to the first quarterof 2000. The index increased from 121.1 in March 2000 to 122.9for the quarter ending March 2001. In comparison with the previousquarter there was a 0.5 percent increase in the Index over theDecember 2000 figure of 122.2.
Overall, there were increases in five ofthe eight major groups when compared with the same period oneyear ago.
The Education & Medical Group showed the highest increaseof 5.9 percent. Both subgroups under this major Group accountedfor this increase, but Medical Care had the greater impact witha 15.3 percent increase, caused by higher optical, dental andprivate physician's fees over the last year.
Personal Goods & Services followed witha 3.8 percent increase. Most of the subgroups of this major groupregistered increases, but Holiday Expenses, with the highest weight,had the greatest increase of 15.0 percent over the last year.
Domestic Services in particular, windowcleaners and gardeners also affected this subgroup, causing anoverall increase of 1.6 percent and Culture Pastimes and Hobbieswith an increase of 1.5 percent further added to this. These threesub groups combined, account for just over 65 percent of the overallGroup weight.
The other three Major groups had increasesof less than 3.0 percent. These were:
·Food with a 2.4 percent increase
·Household Equipment with 2.3 percent and
·Transport & Communication with 2.2 percent.
Housing had a decline of 1.4 percent, causedby decreases in rental costs over the past year.
The other two Major groups registered declinesof less than 1.0 percent.
Clothing 0.9 percent and Alcohol and Tobaccowith a decrease of 0.3 percent.
When compared with the previous quarterthe All Items Index increased by 0.5 percent. Five of the eightmajor groups showed increases, with Personal Goods and Servicesregistering the highest increase of 1.4 percent, followed by Education& Medical Expenses with a 1.0 percent and Transport &Communication with 0.6 percent. The other two major groups withincreases were Food and Housing which both had increases of 0.3percent.
The other three major Groups all declinedby less than 1.0 percent. These were Alcoholic Drinks & Tobaccoand Clothing down by 0.5 percent, and Household Equipment witha decrease of 0.3 percent. Tables 3 and 4 provide more details.
Further information and the latest statisticson the Consumer Price index can be obtained from the GovernmentStatistics Office, located on the fourth floor of the ElizabethanSquare (Phase Four) Building. The Office's telephone number is949-0940.