XN000022-1973-02-19 — Page 4

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Monday, February 19, 1973

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR LAST MONTH

Higher Prices For Food, Clothing And Services

The General Consumer Price Index (Sept. 63/Aug. 64 = 100) for January 1973 was 144, one point higher than that for the previous month.

There were increases of one point each in the indexes for foodstuffs,

clothing and footwear, miscellaneous goods, and transport and vehicles.

An increase of three points was recorded in the index for fuel and light, while an increase of four points was recorded in the index for services. Movements in the indexes for other sections of commodity were

insignificant.

Compared with the previous month, there were increases in the average retail prices of fresh water fish, salt water fish, other fish, rice, pork, beef, poultry, edible oil and fresh fruits.

On the other hand, the average retail prices of fresh vegetables and eggs dropped.

For non-food items, higher prices for kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas caused the index for fuel and light to move upwards.

The index for services also went up mainly as a result of increased

charges for hairdressing on the approach of the Lunar New Year.

The Modified Consumer Price Index for January 1973 was 148, one point higher than that for the previous month, and nine points higher than that for the corresponding month in 1972.

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