Inflation, as measured by the change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) (2013=100), which is compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics, decreased to 4.2 per cent in December 2015 from 4.8 per cent in November 2015, on an year-on-year basis. Inflation on an annual average basis in December 2015 was 3.8 per cent.
NCPI increased by 1.1 per cent from November to December 2015. This monthly increase was mainly due to the increase in prices of the items in the Food and Non Alcoholic Beverages category. Prices of vegetables, green chilies, rice and fresh fish increased during the month. Meanwhile prices of big onions, limes, potatoes, dried sprats and chicken declined. Prices in Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics; Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance; Transport; Education; and Restaurants and Hotels sub-categories also increased during December 2015. Prices in Clothing and Footwear; and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels sub-categories decreased. Health; Communication; Recreation and Culture; and Miscellaneous Goods and Services sub-categories remained unchanged on average.