CPI Increases by 0.3% in August 2012

Doha, September 13 (QNA) - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of August, 2012 was 111.4, showing an increase of 0.3% when compared to the CPI of July 2012 and, a 2.3% increase when compared to the CPI of August 2011, according to Qatar Statistics Authority. A comparison of CPI, August 2012 with the previous month index (CPI of July, 2012) by major groups, displays increases ranging between 0.1% and 0.8% in all the major groups with the exception of Food, Beverages and Tobacco, where prices declined, by 0.1%. The 0.1% decline in Food, Beverages and Tobacco is primarily the result of the price control order issued by the Consumer Protection Department for the Ramadan period (Mid July to Mid-August). The highest increases (0.8% each) have been noticed in the groups Entertainment, recreation and culture and Miscellaneous goods and services. Garments and Footwear and Transport and communication groups each with 0.3%. Rent ,fuel and energy and Furniture,Textiles and home Appliances groups increase by 0.1% for each. A year-on-year comparison, comparing the CPI of August 2012 with that of August 2011 showed increases of 2.3% at the overall level. Increases were recorded in all the major groups, with the exception of Rent, Fuel and Energy, which registered a drop of 3.3%. The highest increases were recorded in the groups of Furniture, Textiles and Home Appliances was 7.1%. Entertainment, Recreation and Culture recoded 7.0%; Food and Beverages 5.5% and Transport and Communications recorded 3.1%. A CPI exclusive of the Rent, Fuel and Energy group has also been calculated. After eliminating the effect of rent, the overall index reached 124.3, showing an increase of 0.3% compared to the CPI of July 2012, and an increase of 4.3 % when compared to the month of August 2011. (QNA)