That compares with 2.8 percent for October 1999, according to Ministry of Finance statistics released yesterday.

The cost of the Consumer Price Index "basket of goods and services'' remained constant, with the all-items index unchanged at 111.8 points.

The food sector advanced 0.2 percent, reflecting increases in the average price of such food as fresh tenderloin (plus 12.9 percent); fish fillets (plus 2.4 percent); stewing beef (plus 2.2 percent), lamb leg fresh and frozen (plus 1.6 percent); cantaloupe (plus 1.7 percent); and Ribena (plus 1.2 percent).

The rent sector also rose 0.2 percent -- the average rents for both controlled and decontrolled properties went up 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent respectively.

Additionally, home repair and maintenance costs rose 0.3 percent.

Both the tobacco and liquor and health and personal care sectors edged up 0.1 percent during November. Households paid higher prices for wines (plus 0.3 percent); over-the-counter medicines (plus 0.2 percent); and, personal care supplies and services (plus 0.1 percent).

In contrast the fuel and power sector experienced the strongest dip (-0.3 percent) in prices. The cost of propane gas fell 0.6 percent, while the fuel adjustment clause dropped 2.9 percent after two consecutive months of strong upward price movement.

The transport and vehicles sector contracted 0.2 percent as airfare prices tapered by 2.6 percent. Household goods, services and supplies fell 0.1 percent. There was a downward shift in the average cost of major appliances (-1.4 percent) and computer printers (-2.7 percent).

In the remaining sectors of the index -- clothing and footwear and education, recreation and reading -- there was no change.

Taking a dip: The rise and fall of Bermuda's consumer price index BUSINESS BUC