Rio, 2/16/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Consumer Price Index (INPC) was up 0.83% in January, compared to 0.54% in December. The INPC measures inflation for families with incomes of up to eight minimum wages (R$1,920) and is conducted by the government statistical bureau (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE).

Food prices jumped 0.97% (compared to 0.30% in December). The INPC was also pressured by electricity bills, which rose 2.44%, and kitchen gas (LPG), up 1.68%.

For the last 12 months, the cumulative rise of the INPC is now at 8.62%. (AB)