LIMA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Peru recorded a nationwide inflation rate of 1.9 percent in 2024, while inflation in Lima Metropolitan area was slightly higher at 1.97 percent, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) report released Wednesday.

The report, titled "Price Indicator Variations in the Economy," highlighted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.14 percent nationwide in December, with Lima Metropolitan area showing a 0.11 percent increase.

In December, inflationary pressures were most notable in the transportation sector (1.2 percent), followed by recreation and culture (0.37 percent), miscellaneous goods and services (0.24 percent), and restaurants and hotels (0.17 percent).

Transportation costs surged during the holiday season, driven by increased demand for Christmas and New Year travel. Airfare prices jumped 8.9 percent, while road transport costs increased by 1.3 percent.

Fuel prices showed mixed trends: "gasohol" (a gasoline-alcohol blend) dropped by 1 percent, diesel rose by 1 percent, and vehicle natural gas increased by 0.1 percent. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices remained unchanged.

Agricultural products also saw price increases in December, including tangerines, peas, rice, chicken, cilantro, onions, and passion fruit.

For the entire year, INEI reported inflation across key sectors as follows: Restaurants and hotels: 2.83 percent; housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels: 2.79 percent; transportation: 1.83 percent; food and non-alcoholic beverages: 0.59 percent. ■