Inflation figures need 'careful consideration'

Rate rises to 4.4 per cent

Seasonal cost increases must be taken into account when assessing the February rate of inflation, so says the Island’s policy and reform minister.

Figures show the rate, measured by the consumer prices index, rose by 0.6 per cent to 4.4 per cent.

Air travel and the cost of crude oil were major factors in the increase.

Chris Thomas says the way government calculates inflation is important and all Islanders are ‘better off’ when inflation is at a lower rate.