RAMALLAH, September 14, 2009 (WAFA)- The Overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory with its 2004 base year (2004=100) reached 125.60 in August 2009, a 1.11% Increase compared with July 2009, and increased by 2.43% compared with August 2008, Palestinian Central Bureau  of Statistics (PCBS) reported.

Analysis of consumer price developments for August indicates increases in the following major expenditure groups: Food and soft drinks by +2.08%; Textiles, clothing and footwear by + 1.32%; Housing by +1.15%; Furniture, household goods by + 0.60%;       Restaurants, cafes and hotels by + 0.50%; Recreational, cultural goods & services by  + 0.19%; Alcoholic Beverages and tobacco by +0.12%; Communications by                               + 0.09%  and Medical care by + 0.03%.

PCBS said, at  the same time, there were decreases in other major expenditure groups including: Transportation by -0.05% and Miscellaneous goods and services                                  -0. 36%.

Palestinian Territory regions experienced different overall CPI developments as follows:       Jerusalem J1: + 1.16%; Gaza Strip: + 1.15% and West Bank (Excluding those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967)  + 1.09%.