April Inflation Hits 4.62 Per Cent, Annual Rate Climbs To 38.15 Per Cent

Among the main expenditure groups, the highest monthly increase was recorded in the Recreation and Culture category at 9.77 per cent. This was followed by Restaurants and Hotels at 7.12 per cent, Clothing and Footwear at 7.07 per cent, Education at 6.92 per cent, Transportation at 5.32 per cent, Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages at 3.47 per cent, Health at 2.77 per cent, Furniture, Household Equipment and Home Maintenance Services at 1.81 per cent, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco at 1.23 per cent, Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels at 1.16 per cent, Communication at 1.01 per cent, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services at 0.88 per cent.

Compared to the previous month, the average prices of 497 items included in the index increased, while the average prices of 97 items decreased.

The three items or services showing the highest price increases were football pitch rental fees at 98.80 per cent, exhaust emission testing fees at 66.67 per cent, and swimming course fees at 56.61 per cent.

The three items showing the sharpest price decreases were fresh broad beans at 52.78 per cent, aubergines at 46.31 per cent, and cucumbers at 41.37 per cent.