The Statistical Institute of Jamaica has reported negative price movement of 0.1 per cent for October.

The All Jamaica Consumer Price Index was 2417.9 versus September's 2419.8, the agency said.

Jamaica has seen negative price movements at different points, the last being in January and February 2003, when price movements were recorded at a negative 0.3 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively.

But, the biggest price drop in the past decade was a negative 1.1 per cent movement in February 1999.

For the calendar year to date, December 2005 to October 2006, the rate of inflation stood at 5.4 per cent.

Annualised, year-end inflation will end at approximately 6.5 per cent.

The rate of inflation for the period October 2005 to October 2006 was 5.8 per cent, in comparison to 15.9 per cent for the similar period last year.

In October, the indicative 'starchy foods' sub-group in the Food and Drink category fell 3.5 per cent, but increases in other food groupings pushed the category 'negligibly' higher overall.

Upward movements

The index for the group 'Fuels and Other Household Supplies' increased by 0.6 per cent, with upward movements of 0.2 and 0.9 per cent in the index for the sub-groups 'Household Supplies' and 'Fuels', respectively.

There was a downward movement of 1.2 per cent for the group 'Housing and Other Expenses', "due largely to the reduction in the cost of electricity," said Statin.

"A decline of 0.8 per cent in the index for the group 'Transportation' was also recorded," the agency said.