Wednesday, 15 August 2012
DOHA: The inflation rate in Qatar was recorded 2.2 percent in a year until last July, the highest rate so far this year, with 'furniture, textiles and home appliances' becoming costlier compared to a year ago.
The consumer price index (CPI) data issued by Qatar Statistics Authority for the month of July 2012, showed an overall increase in all major groups, except 'rent, fuel and energy' on year-on-year basis. The CPI for the month of July 2012 showed an increase of 0.4 percent compared to the June 2012 data.
A year-on-year comparison showed furniture, textiles and home appliances recording the highest increase, 7.1 percent. 'Entertainment, recreation and culture' group showed 6.1 percent increase. While garments and footwear grew 4.8 percent, miscellaneous goods and service; and food and beverages became costlier by 3.8 percent and 3.7 percent respectively a year ago. Transport and communications group is up by 3.7 percent. Medical care and medical services grew by 1.4 percent.
However the 'rent fuel and energy' group registered a drop of 3.9 percent compared to July 2011.
'The miscellaneous goods and services' group registered no change. The highest increase on the month-on-month was in the group 'furniture, textiles and home appliances', which rose by 1.5 percent, followed by 'garments and footwear, 0,6 percent and 'transport and communication, 0.6 percent, mostly explained by continued rise in airfare.
'Rent, fuel and energy' group recorded an increase of 0.4 percent. This is the first increase after consecutive month-to-month declines which started during the fourth quarter of 2008.
The Qatar Statistics Authority noted that the month-on-month 0.4 percent decline in 'food, beverages and tobacco' is the result of the declaration issued by the Consumer Protection Department for the Ramadan period.
© The Peninsula 2012
