In February 2013, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation, rose by 9.5 per cent year-on-year (compared to 9.0 per cent in January). Relative to January, the rise in the headline index could be attributed to increases in farm produce prices due to limited supplies as the toll of inventory (accumulated during the previous harvest period) drawdowns may begin to take effect. While various classes of the core index also witnessed increases, the relative stability in prices of processed foods resulted in a stable overall core sub-index.

In February, the composite CPI increased by 0.75 per cent month-on-month from index levels recorded in January.

The Urban composite CPI was recorded at 142.0 in February, which was a 9.8 per cent year-on-year change. This was higher than the 9.2 per cent recorded in January. The corresponding Rural composite CPI recorded a 9.5 per cent year-on-year change, up from 9.1 per cent in January.

On a month-on-month basis, the Urban All-item index increased by 0.9 percent from levels recorded in January, while the Rural All Items index increased from levels recorded in January by 0.7 percent.

The percentage change in the average Composite CPI for the twelve-month period ending in February 2012 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve-month period was recorded at 11.7 percent. The corresponding 12-month year-on-year average percentage change for the Urban index was 13.7percent, while the corresponding Rural index stood at 10.3 percent.

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Source: NBS