(Stock Photo)
The Index of Retail Prices for April 2017 stood at 171.0 points, representing a decline of 1.1 per cent when compared to the 172.9 points recorded the previous month.
According to data produced by the Barbados Statistical Service, increases were recorded for Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics by 0.5 per cent; Health by 0.1 per cent; Transport by 1.1 per cent; Restaurants and Hotels by 1.5 per cent; and Miscellaneous Goods and Services by 1.1 per cent.
Declines were registered for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages by 1.8 per cent; Clothing and Footwear by 0.2 per cent; Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels by 0.6 per cent; and Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Housing Maintenance by 0.8 per cent. Communication; Recreation and Culture; and Education remained constant during the period.
Between April 2016 and April 2017, the Index of Retail Prices increased by 3.6 per cent from 165.8 to 171.7 points. The average inflation rate for the 12-month period was 3.6 per cent.