The Index of Retail Prices for January 2019 stood at 184.0 points, an overall decrease of 1.2 per cent when compared to the 186.2 points recorded in December 2018.
According to data produced by the Barbados Statistical Service, increases were recorded in Clothing and Footwear by 2.1 per cent; Restaurants and Hotels by 2. 1 per cent; Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance by 0.4 per cent; and Recreation and Culture by 0.2 per cent.
Declines were recorded for Transport by 3.9 per cent; Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics by 1.8 per cent; Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages by 1.6 per cent; Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels by 1.3 per cent; Miscellaneous Goods and Services by 0.5 per cent and Health by 0.05 per cent.
Communication and Education remained constant during the period. Between January 2018 and January 2019, the Index of Retail Prices increased by 0.3 per cent from 183.4 points to 184.0 points.
The average inflation rate for the 12-month period was 3.3 per cent.