XN000022-1974-02-20 — Page 4

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Wednesday, February 20, 1974

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN JANUARY FOOD INDEX

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The General Consumer Price Index for last month went up by

nine points to 179, according to figures released today by the Census

and Statistics Department.

The increase was due mainly to a substantial increase of 16

points in the index for foodstuffs.

The index for fuel and light rose by eight points while increases

of four points each were recorded in the index for miscellaneous goods and

that for services. Increases of one point each were recorded in the index

for clothing and footwear, and that for durable goods.

Movements in the indexes for other sections of commodity were

insignificant.

Compared with December 1973, there were increases in the average

retail prices of rice, bread and cakes, salt water fish, fresh water fish,

poultry, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and eggs..

A spokesman explained that the supplies of many food items suffered

from the customary interruption during the Chinese New Year festival period,

and consumer demand is usually strong at this time when preparations are

made for the festival.

As to non-food items, the rise in the index for services was mainly

attributable to higher charges for hairdressing before the Lunar Now Year

Fastival.

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