Fish Scarcity Triggers Inflation in August

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said that the inflation rate in August 2014 had reached 0.47 percent, dropping from 0.93 percent in the previous month. According to BPS Head Suryamin, three major causes of the inflation include increases in fish and electricity prices, as well as school tuition fee. 

Suryamin said a 1.39 percent increase in fish prices, which ensued from plunging fish supply in a number of areas, contributed 0.04 percent to the inflation rate. 

“It [the fish scarcity] was caused by weather conditions that trigger inflation in August,” Suryamin said at his office on Monday, September 1, 2014.

Generally, foodstuff category has become the fourth major contributor to the inflation with a price index increasing from 119.69 to 120.12 in July-August 2014. Sardines have become the top contributor to the inflation in this sector. Meanwhile, deflations occurred for red onion, vegetable and fruit tomatoes, chicken eggs and garlic prices. 

Additionally, food products, beverages, cigarettes and tobacco contributed 0.52 percent to the inflation rate. The index price of this category increased from 114.05 to 114.64 in July-August 2014. Furthermore, commodities such as noodles, rice and cigarettes contributed 0.01 percent to the inflation. 

DINI PRAMITA