Consumers paid out 2.6 percent more for goods and services in November than they did a year before, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The index, which is produced by the Department of Statistics and measures price changes on the Island, shows that a "shopping basket" of goods and services which would have cost $100 in April 2006 cost $101 by November.

A major factor in the increased cost from November 2005 to November 2006 was rent. The CPI reveals that rent for controlled properties rose 4.3 percent over the year, while the cost of non-rent controlled properties increased by 4.6 percent.

Consumers had to pay 6.8 percent more for health and personal care in November 2006 than a year ago. Food costs rose by 1.6 percent.

The CPI also charts monthly changes in price. It shows that from October to November 2006 costs in the transport and vehicles sector rose by 0.9 percent. This was largely due to higher prices for gasoline: one percent more for both the premium and mixed blend. Higher airfares also led to an increase in travel costs.

Rent increased by 0.2 percent month on month, while fuel and power prices fell 9.9 percent. That was down to lower electricity costs.

Food prices rose 0.2 percent between October and November. Items such as pasta, canned fruit and sliced meats all rose in price.

Higher prices for television sets and pet care supplies pushed prices up in the education, recreation and reading sector by 0.1 percent.

Meanwhile, the tobacco and liquor sector experienced a 0.2 percent decline overall due to lower prices for wines.