Vacations cause rise in inflation

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8: Inflation was 3.4 per cent in September, the highest its been since February 2009.

Residents’ spending money on their overseas vacations was the biggest contributor to the increase in the Consumer Price Index.

According to the Department of Statistics, the average cost to travel overseas during the month of September increased 16.6 per cent. Residents paid more for hotel accommodations and airfare. As a result, the rate for the Transport and Vehicles sector of the CPI increased by 7.4 per cent.

Health and personal care costs were up 8.7 per cent. The average cost of facials, manicures and massages advanced 3.9 per cent.

Food prices were down 0.4 per cent. Notable prices changes occurred for fresh oranges (-7.2 per cent), lamb (-3.8 per cent) and pork (-3.4 per cent).