High consumer price index

The Statistical Office announced on 7 June that the consumer price index increased by 0.7 percent in May compared to April and 6.9 percent compared to May 2000, ETA reported. The price of goods grew by 0.9 percent (food products by 1.1 percent and industrial goods by 0.8 percent) in April, while the price of services increased by 0.2 percent. The greater than expected price increases were primarily due to higher food costs and a 3.6 percent increase in the price of motor fuel. The only item whose price declined was communication, which fell by 0.6 percent in April.