Consumer Price Index in Kuwait rises

KUWAIT, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- Annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.27 percent in September 2018 compared with the same month last year, according to the monthly report by the Central Statistical Bureau, released on Sunday.
The CPI dropped, monthly, to 113.1, by 0.09 percent, in September, as a result of high prices of major (commodities') groups.
Prices of cigarette and tobacco increased by 0.08 percent, clothing and footwear decreased 0.19 percent, rates of housing services were stable, those of furnishing equipment and household maintenance rose 0.17 percent, those of health group increased by 0.19 percent but costs of transportation were stable.
Costs of communications rose 0.57 percent, recreation and cultural group by 0.19 percent, those of education dropped 0.08 percent, but those of restaurants and hotels steadied.
Prices of miscellaneous goods and services group decreased by 0.09 percent.
The CPI is a key economic indicator to follow-up on business and economic conditions in Kuwait. It is also an essential element to follow up on the overall price movements in retail markets. (end) fnk.rk