Consumer prices increased by 0,7% in April in Reunion, announces INSEE, emphasizing that the increase is half as strong as in March. It concerns all consumer sectors. Service prices increase by 0,5% the increase in communication services being stronger (+1%) and that of “other services” of 0,9 %, driven by the increase in insurance rates and vehicle maintenance costs. Conversely, transport prices fall by 0,3%, driven by those in the air sector in low season. Prices for health services are also falling (-0,1%), while those of rents and related services remain stable. Energy prices continue to rise : +2,5% in April after +4,5% in March. These prices are driven exclusively by the increase in the prices of petroleum products (+3,4%) against a backdrop of international tensions. The rise in the price of gas bottles (+9,3%) is much stronger than for fuels, whose price rise is temporarily mitigated by exceptional state aid. Prices of manufactured goods increased by 0,6% on the month. The increases are notable for household linen, cell phones, articles and devices for personal care, as well as for large garden tools. On the other hand, prices of health products fall by 0,2%. The rise in food prices was lower in April (+0,8%) that in March (+2,7%) and in February (t+ 2,4%). Prices of fresh produce increase by 1,2% after the surge in the two months following cyclones Batsirai and Emnati. The increase in prices of other food products continues in April (+0,7%) for the fifth consecutive month, underlines INSEE. Prices are increasing particularly for margarine, butter, edible oils, yogurts and dried or smoked fish. Finally, tobacco prices increased by 0,2% in April.
