Bermuda's annual rate of inflation remained stable at 1.9 percent in January, unchanged from December 1998.

On average consumer prices gained 0.2 percent during the month. Prices in the fuel and power sector rose the most during the month, advancing 0.7 percent.

The fuel adjustment clause rose 8.7 percent, leading to higher electricity costs. The average cost of a cylinder of gas increased 3.6 percent during the month. Average prices in the transport and vehicle sector rose 0.5 percent, a gain the Statistics Department attributed to a five percent jump in the average cost of car repair and maintenance. Prices of premium and mixed gasoline increased one percent during the month. Household goods, services and supplies' sector rose 0.4 percent during the month, reflecting a rise in the average cost of child care services. The food, and health and personal care sectors of the consumer price index rose 0.3 percent each in January. A 4.2 percent increase in the cost of men's hairdressing services and 1.2 percent gain for women's services boosted the health and personal sector.

BUSINESS BUC