RAMALLAH, February 14, 2010 (WAFA)by Palestinian Central Bureau  of Statistics (PCBS) reported that Consumer Price Index reached 127.83 in January 2010, it increased by 0.06% compared with December 2009.

 The Overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory with its 2004 base year (2004=100) reached 127.83 in January 2010, it increased by 0.06% compared with December 2009, and increased by 5.15% compared with January 2009.

Analysis of consumer price developments for January indicated increases in the following major expenditure groups: Alcoholic Beverages and tobacco by 3.09%; Housing by 0.70%; Recreational, cultural goods & services  by 0.53%; Medical care by 0.48%; Furniture, household goods by 0.47%; Restaurants, cafes and hotels  by 0.39%; Communications by 0.17%.

At the same time, there were decreases in other major expenditure groups including: Food and soft drinks by 0.47%; Miscellaneous goods and services by 0.35%; Transportation by 0.25%; Textiles, clothing and footwear by 0.12%.

Palestinian Territory regions experienced different overall CPI developments as follows: Jerusalem J1 (those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967)by 0.17%; Gaza Strip by 0.09%; West Bank (West Bank: Excluding those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in the same year) by 0.02%.