Dental patients in October had more than their mouths numbed after a visit.

The effects were also manifest in their purses as the October retail price index showed the price of dental services jumped a strong 16.9 percent for the month.

The annual rate of inflation for October 2000 was measured at 2.7 percent according to the latest release from Government's statistics department.

The increase was unchanged from the 2.7 percent recorded in both August and September.

Consumer prices on average inched up 0.2 percent for the month. The all items index rose from 114.6 points in September to 114.8 in October.

The cost of electricity fell 0.7 percent during the month as the fuel adjustment clause dipped 4.8 percent. This sector of the index fell 0.5 percent overall in spite of a 2.5 percent increase in the cost of propane gas cylinders.

The health and personal care sector of the index realised the strongest price movement, advancing 1.3 percent.

The upward movement was due mainly to a rise in the cost of personal care services. Ladies hairstyling increased an average of 3.2 percent while the price of body massages rose 6.7 percent.

Increased numbers of residents flying to the UK helped push up the cost of airfares up during the month of October. Travel agents experienced higher numbers of people travelling to all destinations causing ticket prices to increase 4.1 percent.

The transport and vehicle sector rose 0.8 percent influenced by the increase in airline ticket prices and the 0.3 percent rise in the price of gas for cars and cycles.

A 0.1 percent decrease in the price of items in the household goods, services and supplies sector was softened by a 2.4 percent rise in the cost of furnishings and in particular, floor coverings.

Rent advanced 0.1 percent during October as both uncontrolled and controlled properties increased 0.1 percent.

In the clothing and footwear section of the index a rise in the cost of laundry and dry cleaning services caused an advance of 0.1 percent.

The average price of beers, wines and spirits climbed 0.3, 0.4 and 0.2 percent respectively causing the tobacco and liquor sector of the index to rise .2 percent.

As households decreased their spending on pet supplies and upkeep, the education recreation and reading sector of the index fell 0.1 percent. In contrast, boat owners paid more to operate their boats as the cost of marine fuel increased 0.3 percent during the month.