The “shopping basket” of items making up the suite of consumer price inflation indices (CPIH, CPI and RPI) are reviewed every year.
Some items are taken out of the basket, some are brought in, to reflect changes in the market and to make sure the indices are up to date and representative of consumer spending patterns.
Hand sanitisers have been included in the basket whereas white chocolate bars are out as part of the latest reshuffle.
Sam Beckett, ONS head of economic statistics, said: “The pandemic has impacted on our behaviour as consumers, and this has been reflected in the 2021 inflation basket of goods.
“The need for hygiene on the go has seen the addition of hand sanitiser, now a staple item for many of us.
“Lockdown living has seen demand for home exercise equipment rise, while spending more time within our own four walls has also encouraged us to invest in smart technologies.”
Leave a Comment