Some thoughts on consummer price indices

Abstract

Monetary incomes generally tend to follow price increases, but not decreases, and themselves have a significant effect on price levels. Thus, apart from short term fluctuations and seasonal changes, the normal tendency is for prices and incomes to show a continuing upwards trend. Under these circumstances, series need to be compiled at frequent intervals if an adequate account of the changing situation is to be achieved. The purpose of this note is to consider whether current price and income statistics in Africa are organized in a way which enables maximum use to be made of the information collected.