The CPI was influenced mainly by the increase in the prices of fresh fruit (4.3%), transportation (2.1%), furniture and home products (1.5%), food (0.8%) and housing (4%)
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported on 15 February that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of January 2011 rose by 0.2%, compared with analysts' expectations of a fall of up to 0.1%.
Inflation for the past 12 months has reached 3.6%, well above the 1-3% price stability target.
The January CPI is the first measurement since it was recalibrated (baseline 100 = 2010).
The first CPI for 2011 was influenced mainly by the increase in the prices of fresh fruit (4.3%), transportation (2.1%), furniture and home products (1.5%), food (0.8%) and housing (4%).
These prices hikes were partially compensated by seasonal reductions in the prices of clothing and footwear (6.4%) and fresh vegetables (5.2%). Prices for pharmaceuticals fell by 2.7% and for recreation by 6%.