RAMALLAH, January 20, 2010 (WAFA)- Palestinian Central Bureau  of Statistics (PCBS) said Wednesday the Overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory with its 2004 base year (2004=100) reached 124.34 in 2009, it increased by 2.75% relative to 2008, and increased by 4.34% in December 2009 compared with December 2008.

Analysis of consumer price developments for 2009 indicates increases in the following major expenditure groups: Alcoholic Beverages and tobacco by 9.93%; Furniture, household goods by 7.21%; Restaurants, cafes and hotels by 4.73%; Miscellaneous goods and services by 4.46%; Education by 4.42%; Textiles, clothing and footwear by 3.76%; Food and soft drinks by 3.60%; and Recreational, cultural goods & services 2.19%.

At the same time, there were decreases in other major expenditure groups including: Transportation by 2.64%; Communications by 0.90%; Housing by 0.73%; and Medical care by 0.35%.

Palestinian Territory regions experienced different overall CPI developments as follows:              Jerusalem J1(those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967): + 3.54%; Gaza Strip: + 4.42%; and West Bank (Excluding those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967): + 0.57%.