XN000022-1972-06-20 — Page 5

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Tuesday, June 20, 1972

SHARP INCREASE IN C.P.I. FOR MAY

The General Consumer Price Index for May 1972 was 138, five

points higher than that for the previous month.

The rise was due mainly to an increase of 10 points in the

index for food

There was also an increase of one point each in the indexes for

alcoholic drink, and for miscellaneous goods. Movements in the indexes

for other sections were insignificant.

The average retail price of fresh vegetables rose sharply

as a result of unfavourable weather conditions.

Higher retail prices were also recorded for bread and cakes,

salt water fish, fresh water fieh, live poultry, dried beans and fresh

fruits. Some restaurants also put up their menu prices. On the other

hand, retail prices of other fish, pork, beef and eggs were priced lower.

The Modified Consumer Price Index for May 1972 was 142, six

points higher than that for the previous month, and 12 points higher than

that for the corresponding month in 1971.

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