Inflation rate rises to 17.9% – NBS

Inflation rate rises to 17.9% – NBS

In September, the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation
across the country, increased by 17.9 per cent year-on-year, up from
the 17.6 per cent recorded the previous month.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), energy and
energy-related prices continue to be the largest increases reflected in
the core sub-index.
It stated that in September, the core sub-index increased by 17.7 per
cent, up by 0.5 per cent points from rates recorded in August (17.2 per
cent).
“During the month, the highest increases were seen in the electricity,
liquid fuel (kerosene), solid fuels, and fuels and lubricants for personal
transport equipment groups. Communication and restaurants and
hotels recorded the lowest rates of increase of the 12 divisions,
growing by 5.6 per cent and 9.6 per cent, respectively,” the NBS stated.
The bureau noted that the food sub index increased by 16.6 per cent
year-on-year in September, up by 0.19 per cent points from rate
recorded in August (16.4 per cent).
It stated that a number of groups within the food index recorded falls
in the rate of price increases, including fish, which had previously been
a key driver, as well as oils and fats, and fruits.
The NBS said price movements recorded by the all items less farm
produce or core sub-index increased by 17.7 per cent year-on-year in
September, up by 0.5 per cent points from rates recorded in August
(17.2 per cent).
“During the month, the highest increases were seen in clothing
materials, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories,
garments, shoes and other footwear, books and stationeries, jewellery,
clocks and watches, and motorcycles,” it added.
The bureau further noted that the percentage change in the average
composite CPI for the 12-month period ending in September 2016 over
the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 13.5 per
cent, higher from 12.7 per cent recorded in August.
“The corresponding 12-month year-on-year average percentage
change for the urban index increased from 13.6 per cent in August to
14.4 per cent in September, while the corresponding rural index also
increased from 12 per cent in August to 12.6 per cent in September,”
the NBS added.