real increase in sales for July after adjusting for an inflation rate of 2.1 percent. The July increase is the 13 straight month of real positive gains in retail sales.

Ministry of Finance economic advisor Ron Holberton said the growth in retail sales for the past year seemed widespread, but was especially strong in the automobile and appliance sectors.

"The purchase of big items such as automobiles shows consumer confidence in the economy,'' he said yesterday. "Overall the trend in retail sales shows robust consumer demand.'' For July retail stores had a gross turnover of $54.7 million. The food and liquor sector posted real increases of 7.4 percent and 6.6 percent. Motor vehicle and service station sales continued to grow but at a reduced pace of 5.1 percent.

In the general stores category sales increased by 5.2 percent in real terms.

"Appliance and furniture stores recorded strong sales,'' a Department of Statistics press release stated. "For appliance stores, the gain was attributable to monthly specials and the summer heat which resulted in a huge demand for air conditioners. For furniture stores, the result was partially due to an increase in office furniture sales.'' The department reported a "generally soft'' demand for clothing and accessories, and hardware. Pharmaceuticals and department stores reported an increase in sales.

Over the past 13 months the retail sector has reported real monthly increases ranging from a low of 2.7 percent in February and March to a high of 11.3 percent in April.

The department did not have figures for the reported value of overseas spending by returning residents for the month. The lack of figures was attributed to computer problems at the airport.

LOCALS TO GET BREAK AT GAS PUMPS EGY Locals to get break at gas pumps The Minister of Finance has cut the maximum price of gasoline by more than half a cent and raised by less than a cent the prices of diesel and kerosene.

As of yesterday outlets were allowed to charge a maximum of 113.3 cents per litre for gasoline, 87.2 cents per litre for diesel and 66.8 cents for kerosene.

The price changes reflect a reduction in the price of gasoline by 0.7 cents per litre, and increases of 0.5 cents per litre for diesel and 0.3 cents per litre for kerosene.