FOOD GROUP INDEX

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31031, 11 April 1966, Page 8

FOOD GROUP INDEX

Increase In March Food prices were 0.7 per cent higher in March, 1966, than they were in the previous month, according to the food group index of the recently revised Consumers’ Price Index released by the Government Statistician. The March all foods index (on base 1965=1000) was 1023 compared with 1016 for February. The fruit and vegetable sub-group made an upward contribution of 7 points to this movement. The meat and fish and the other food subgroup indicies showed no change. A substantial upward contribution of 7J points was made by seasonal fruits and vegetables. This was partially offset by a downward contribution of half a point by nonseasonal fruits and vegetables. There were, of course, numerous smaller movements in the prices of individual items. Food is the only group of the index for which prices are collected each month, the complete All Groups Index being a quarterly compilation. The March quarter’s allgroups index, embodying the revised regimen, is at present being compiled and will be published about the third week in April.