RAMALLAH, March 14, 2007(WAFA)-The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said Wednesday that the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory with its 1996 base year (1996=100) reached 153.42 in February 2007, a 0.40 % decrease relative to January 2007.

In a press release, PCBS revealed that price developments for February indicates declines in the following major expenditure groups:

Food - 0.63 %, Medical Car - 0.03 %, Recreational, Cultural Goods and Services-0.03%, Transport and Communications: -0.91 %., Textiles, Clothing and Footwear:-0.03% and Housing: -0.19%.

PCBS added that there were increases in other major expenditure groups including: Miscellaneous Goods and Services: + 0.10 %, Furniture, Household Goods and Services: + 0.07 %, Beverages and Tobacco: + 0.01 %.

Remaining West Bank (The West Bank except for those parts of Jerusalem, which were annexed after 1967 occupation by Israel) - 0.46%, Gaza Strip: - 0.13% and Jerusalem: 0.00%.

M.H.(13:10 P)(11:10 GMT)