RETAIL PRICES IN JANUARY ROSE BY 2.4 PER CENT

( Editorial: --> 8878 ) ZAGREB, 2 Feb (Hina) - Retail prices in January were 2.4 per cent higher than in December 1997, while living costs were 2.8 per cent higher, announced the Croatian Government's Bureau of Statistics on Monday. In January 1998, compared to January 1997, retail prices were 5.3 per cent higher, while living costs were 6.3 per cent higher. The movement in living costs since December 1997 have been affected by the rise in food prices by 5.5%, products and services for education, culture and entertainment by 5.1%, hygiene and health care by 4.7%, transport and postal services by 3.3%, products and services for housing by 0.6%. The cost of tobacco and alcohol is 1.6% lower and clothing and footwear is 0.2% lower. (hina) mrb jn 021712 MET feb 98