National statistics agency
Istat said Wednesday that it has updated its basket of goods for
inflation calculations, with tattoos coming in and tickets for
sleeping cars on trains going out.
The basket of items representing Italian consumer trends
now also includes men's shorts, girls' leggings, LED light
bulbs, vegetable-based drinks, integrated TV, Internet and
telephone services, student lodging, electrostatic dust cloths,
used cars and electric drills.
Consumer association Codacons said it found
"incomprehensible" changes in the inflation basket that
increased the weight of accommodation and restaurant services,
while decreasing that of the transport sector.
"Inserting tattoos, LED light bulbs and integrated
telecommunications services is Ok because these items have
powerfully entered the lives of the Italian people," Codacons
President Carlo Rienzi said.
"(But) in recent years, families have cut down on
travelling and dinners at restaurants, while transport is a big
factor in people's monthly spending".
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