RAMALLAH, May 14, 2009 (WAFA)- The Overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory decreased by 0.21% in April 2009, compared with March 2009, and increased by 1.74% compared with April 2008, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reported.

Analysis of consumer price developments for February indicates declines in the major expenditure groups. The highest decrease was in the housing sector (- 0.76%) and the lowest was in furniture and household goods (- 0.17%).

At the same time, there were increases in other major expenditure groups. The highest increase was in transportation (+ 1.19%) and the lowest was in communications (+ 0.02%).

Palestinian Territory regions experienced different overall CPI developments; the West Bank excluding Jerusalem: - 0.68%, the Gaza Strip: - 0.05%, and Jerusalem + 0.03%.