Doha – Mubasher: Qatar’s inflation fell 0.2% in April, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), mainly due to lower expenses in the restaurants, recreation, and housing sectors, according to the Qatari Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics.
On an annual basis, inflation rose 0.6% due to higher costs in transport, health, education, furniture, and miscellaneous goods and services, the figures released by the ministry showed.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that during fiscal year 2017/2018, subsidies will be reduced, public fees will increase, global commodity prices will moderately recover, and the value-added tax (VAT) will be implemented – all of which is expected to moderate Qatar’s inflation over the medium-term.
The restaurants and hotels sector in the CPI declined 0.9% in April, while recreation and culture decreased 0.8%.
Housing, water, electricity and other fuels tumbled 0.6%, as communication saw its group index fall 0.1% in April.
On the other hand, the health index grew 1.9% month-on-month, miscellaneous goods and services gained 0.6%, and food and beverages rose 0.5% in April.
Transport went up 0.3% in April against March 2017, and 8.4% on a yearly basis.
Clothing and footwear levelled up 0.2% last month.
