The general consumer price index (inflation) rose by 1.73 percent from the start of 2024 until the end of August, reaching 110.54 points, compared to 108.67 points for the same period last year, according to a report from the Department of Statistics. The report highlighted key commodity groups contributing to the rise, including personal luggage, which saw a 9.70 percent increase, water and sanitation up by 7.34 percent, union contributions by 5.86 percent, dried and canned vegetables and legumes by 4.72 percent, and rents by 3.92 percent. For August 2024 alone, the general consumer price index climbed to 111.17 points, compared to 109.13 points in August 2023, marking a 1.87 percent increase. The rise was mainly driven by personal belongings, up by 15.41 percent, vegetables and legumes by 9.67 percent, water and sanitation by 7.34 percent, union contributions by 5.86 percent, and culture and entertainment by 5.07 percent. This increase was slightly offset by decreases in the furniture, oils and fats, clo thing, and home maintenance services groups. Additionally, the index for August 2024 showed a marginal increase of 0.15 percent compared to July, with key contributions from vegetables and legumes, personal effects, dairy products, and transportation. Source: Jordan News Agency