The consumer price index went up by 4.1 percent nationwide in September compared to the month of August, according to the figures released by the National Statistics Office (ONS). A significant increase was posted for food products (up 6.1 percent), ONS pointed out.
According to APS, no explanation was provided as to the causes of this inflation rate, though it might be connected to the speculation preceding the holy month of Ramadan, which started on 15 October.
In the capital Algiers, the raw consumer index price was up 3.4 percent in September.
This “significant” fluctuation is the consequence of price changes for various products during this sensitive period.
Food products, ONS further pointed out, were up 5.6 percent, which can be explained through the noticeable price increase of fresh farming products (+11.5 percent), notably chicken meat (+40.7 percent), vegetables (+10.3 percent) and fruits (+11 percent).
Besides, services were up 5.6 percent due essentially to the increase of phone communication rates, according to the same source.
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
