Inflation in American Samoa remained at double digits at the end of 2008 despite the softening in oil prices, according to the latest Consumer Price Index or CPI report.
The report, issued by the American Samoa Commerce Department, says the annual inflation at the end of 2008 was measured at 12.2 percent, a slight drop from a 13.6 percent in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter Consumer Price Index registered at 112.2 index points compared to 111.7 points in the third quarter, showing a slight 0.4 percent drop.
The report says food, housing and transportation groups have contributed to this increase in the local CPI, with food going up by 25 percent in one year, housing by 17 percent and a 9 percent rise in transportation.
