MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lowest inflation since February 1939 in Chile

The consumer price index during February in Chile experienced no change, similarly during the last twelve months, recording the lowest twelve months inflation since February 1939 (-1,1%). Compared to December 2003 the index actually dropped 0,2%, according to the National Statistics Office.

The items that increased include water rates, cigarettes, university and school licences, while fuel, public transport and financial costs actually dropped.

Food registered a negative variation both in February and annually, (-0,3% and -0,8%), particularly fruit and vegetables (-1,9%) and fish and sea food (-1,2%).

Housing expanded 0,3% in February and 1,8% in the last twelve months and Clothing prices contracted 1,1% and 3,5%.

Transport dropped 4% in twelve months. Health care, 0,1% in February and 3,8% in the last twelve months; education and leisure in twelve months jumped 3,8%.

Wholesale prices on the other hand increased 0,9% in February but with an annual variation of -6,7%

Domestic production prices expanded 0,8% and imported goods 0,9%.

Among domestic production in February, Fisheries prices jumped 4%; mining and quarries 2,6%; manufacturing 1,2% and agriculture -3,7%.