recorded the previous month, according to a report from the Statistics Department.

An increase of about ten percent in the average cost of health insurance premiums in April led the upward movement of the inflation rate. Consumers also paid about 0.3 percent more for over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies.

However those gains were partially offset by a decline in the cost of electricity due to a BELCO rebate to customers. The Fuel & Power sector of the consumer price index, which measures inflation, fell by 1.6 percent compared to prices in March.

The Transport and Vehicle sector had a monthly increase of 1.1 percent. The average cost of car and motor cycle licensing fees rose by 5.9 percent amd 4.9 percent respectively in April. Public transportation fares rose 8.9 percent.

Gasoline prices rose 0.6 percent. Rent increased 0.3 percent while Household Goods, Sercies & Supplies increased 0.2 percent. The cost of food rose 0.1 percent.