Israel's consumer price index rose 0.8% in April, higher than economists' expectations of 0.6%. In the 12 months to the end of April, inflation rose to 2.8% from 2.7% at the end of March, according to figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics today.
Transportation prices rose 3.4% in April, clothing prices rose 2.3%, culture and entertainment prices rose 1.6%, housing maintenance prices rose 0.3%, and food prices rose 0.3%.
Notable price declines in April included fresh fruit and vegetables, which fell by 1.3%, and furniture and household equipment, which fell by 0.5%.
The Central Bureau of Statistics also published the change in house prices (which do not form part of the general CPI) between January-February 2024 and February-March 2024. On average, prices rose by 0.9%. This was the fourth month in a row that prices rose after several months of decline. Distribution by region, prices increased by 0.8% in Jerusalem, by 0.8% in the north, and by 1.7% in Haifa. Prices fell by 0.5% in the center, but rose by 2.2% in Tel Aviv, and by 0.6% in the south. New prices rose 0.5%.
In comparison between February and March 2024 and February and March 2023, the housing price index increased by 1.1%. Distribution by region, prices increased by 4.6% in Haifa, 4.3% in the south, 1.9% in Jerusalem, 1% in the north, and 0.4% in Tel Aviv. Prices decreased by 0.4% in the central region. The new home price index fell by 1.6%.
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on May 15, 2024.
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