RAMALLAH, August 13, 2009 (WAFA)- Palestinian Central Bureau  of Statistics (PCBS) said Thursday the Palestinian Consumer Price Index Increased by 0.60% in July 2009

The Overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory with its 2004 base year (2004=100) reached 124.22 in July 2009, a 0.60% Increase compared with June 2009, and increased by 1.72% compared with July 2008, PCBS said in a press release.

Analysis of consumer price developments for June indicates increases in the following major expenditure groups: Housing by +1.27%; Alcoholic Beverages and tobacco by +1.26%; Transportation by + 0.82%; Food and soft drinks by+0.67%; Furniture, household goods by+ 0.60%; Medical care  by + 0.14%; Textiles, clothing and footwear by + 0.14%; Communications by + 0.13% and Miscellaneous goods and services by + 0.06%.

At the same time, there were decreases in other major expenditure groups including:  Restaurants, cafes and hotels by - 0.21%

Palestinian Territory regions experienced different overall CPI developments as follows: Remaining West Bank: + 0.92%; Jerusalem J1+ 0.35% and Gaza Strip:  + 0.28%

This report was funded by the European Union.