Living cost index up 3.1 percent during first eight months

The living cost index increased by 3.1 percent during the first eight months of 1998, compared to the same period in 1997.

The statistics department said in its latest newsletter "Reperes" that the increase mainly affected the sectors of transport and communication, food products and medical care. The indexes of the three sectors increased respectively by 4.2 percent, 3.7 percent and 3.2 percent.

The increase was most felt in some cities such as Oujda, Fez, Kenitra, Rabat, Tetuan and Agadir, the newsletter said.