Inflation has declined month-over-month, but consumers were paying 1.8 percent more in July 2013 than they did a year ago for the basket of goods and services included in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).July’s CPI was released today by the Department of Statistics, which showed that the rate of inflation decreased 0.1 percentage point from the 1.9 percent recorded in June 2013.Between June and July 2013, there was no movement in the average cost of goods and services in the CPI.The all items index remained at 122.0 index points in July, so the basket of goods and services that cost $100 in April 2006 now cost $122.Year-to-year, the health and personal care sector had the strongest impact on the twelve-month increase in the CPI. The total cost of the health and personal care basket increased 9.2 percent year-over-year. The food and transport and vehicles sectors also contributed to the rise in the annual rate of inflation, as price shifts in both sectors were 2.7 percent.Month to month, the CPI shows that the rent sector increased by 0.2 percent in July, following two months of no change. Average rental prices for properties not subject to rent control increased by 0.3 percent while rent controlled properties increased by 0.1 percent.Food prices in grocery stores increased 0.3 percent in July compared to a 0.1 percent rise in June. Leading factors to the increase were fresh carrots at 8.3 percent, eggs at 5.9 percent and frozen spare ribs at 5.8 percent.The clothing sector increased 0.2 percent in July. The average cost of women’s and men’s clothing increased by 0.8 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.The household goods, services and communications sector rose 0.1 percent in July following a decrease of 0.1 percent in June. The average cost of wedding planning services jumped 5.7 percent.The health and personal care sector increased 0.1 percent in July. The cost of self-prescribed medicines and household medical supplies increased 0.5 percent.The tobacco and liquor sector continued its upward trend, increasing for the fourth consecutive month, up 0.1 percent in July. The average price of beer increased by 0.4 percent.The fuel and power sector was static in July, while education, recreation and reading decreased 0.1 percent in July. The average cost of pet food fell 1.3 percent, and boat fuel rose 0.3 percent.The transport and vehicle sector decreased 1.8 percent in July, following a 1.6 percent increase in June. The decrease was attributed to lower average cost of airfares — 6.3 percent — and overseas accommodations — 5.9 percent.In contrast, car repair and maintenance costs rose by 2.1 percent.useful website: www.statistics.gov.bm