RAMALLAH, May 19, 2012 (WAFA) - Overall consumer price index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory decreased in April by 0.24% compared to March, but has increased by 2.91% compared to April of last year, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Friday.

The change in prices was traced to changes in prices of food and soft drinks, which decreased by 0.79%, furniture and household goods, which decreased by 0.32%, and restaurants, cafes and hotels, which also decreased by 0.2%.

However, transportation costs increased by 0.43% and so did housing costs, which also increased by 0.43%.

CPI decreased in Jerusalem area by 0.26% and in the Gaza Strip by 0.03%, but it increased in the West Bank by 0.12%.

M.S.