MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean inflation in May, 0,3%

The Chilean Consumer Prices Index increased 0,3% in May, accumulating 1,4% in the first five months of 2005 and 2,7% in the last twelve months, according to the country's Statistics Institute.

Transport was among the items with the highest index, 0,8% (2,9% for public transport and -0,9% for private transport); Housing 0,4%; Food 0,2%; Housing equipment 0,1% and Others 0,1%. Health, Clothing, Education and Leisure remained unchanged.

However the index was above market expectations (0,2%) which could lead the Chilean Central Bank next week to raise the basic interest rate a quarter of a point to 3,50%.

Wholesale prices contracted 0,1% in May but in the last five months have increased 4,3% and 4,5% in the last twelve months.

The Production Prices index registered a 0,3% surge in May, 2,7% since last December and 8,4% in the last twelve months.

Highest variations were recorded in Agriculture, hunting and forestry 3,7%; construction 2,6% and public utility rates (electricity, gas and water) 0,5%.