Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics continues to work on data collection and production of Palestinian Construction Cost Index (CCI), Road Cost Index (RCI), Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) and Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) during Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

Construction Cost Index (CCI), Road Cost Index (RCI), Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) and Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) in the West Bank* during April, 04/2020

Slight Decrease in the Construction Cost Index (CCI) for Residential Buildings

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) for residential buildings reached 105.98 with a slight decrease of 0.02% in the West Bank* during April 2020 compared with March 2020 (base year 2013=100).

At the level of major groups, rental of equipment decreased by 0.64%, while the prices of raw materials slightly increased by 0.02%. At the same time, labour costs and wages remained stable during April 2020 compared with the previous month.

Slight Decrease in the Construction Cost Index (CCI) for Non-residential Buildings

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) for non-residential buildings reached 105.71 with  a slight decrease of 0.04% in the West Bank* during April 2020 compared with March 2020 (base year 2013=100).

At the level of major groups, rental of equipment decreased by 0.68%, and the prices of raw materials slightly decreased by 0.03%. At the same time, labour costs and wages remained stable during April 2020 compared with the previous month.

Slight Increase in the Construction Cost Index (CCI) for Skeleton Buildings

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) for skeleton buildings reached 103.71 with a slight increase of 0.09% in the West Bank* during April 2020 compared with March 2020 (base year 2013=100).

At the level of major groups, the prices of raw materials increased by 0.19%, while rental of equipment decreased by 0.65%. At the same time, labour costs and wages remained stable during April 2020 compared with the previous month.

Decrease in the Road Cos Index (RCI)

The overall Road Cost Index (RCI) reached 108.92 with a decrease of 0.15% in the West Bank* during April 2020 compared with March 2020 (base month December 2008=100).

At the level of major groups, operating costs of equipment and maintenance decreased by 4.09%, rental of equipment decreased by 0.14%, and the prices of raw materials slightly decreased by 0.05%. At the same time, labour costs and wages remained stable during April 2020 compared with the previous month.

Stability in the Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI)

The overall Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) remained at the same level of 114.60 with a slight decrease of 0.01% in the West Bank* during April 2020 compared with March 2020 (base month January 2010=100).

Water Networks Cost Index reached 119.60 with a slight decrease of 0.03%, while Water Reservoirs Cost Index reached 103.60 with a slight increase of 0.06% during April 2020 compared with the previous month.

Slight Decrease in the Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI)

The overall Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) reached 109.77 with a slight decrease of 0.06% in the West Bank* during April 2020 compared with March 2020 (base month January 2010=100).

Notice:

1.    Following the outbreak of the Corona virus (Covid 19) and measures implemented to limit its spread, the data collection process was transferred from face to face interview into phone.

2.    International recommendations were followed in imputing missing prices resulted from temporarily closure of many sources in the West Bank’s governorates during April 2020, where reliance was placed on the changes in the prices of similar goods in that period.

3.    The following tables show the numbers and percent changes of closed outlets and imputed price observations during April 2020:

4.    Gaza Strip data is not available.

5.    The difference in the percentage change in major groups of roads, construction, water networks, and sewage networks cost index is due to the nature compositions of these major groups.

Note:

*Data exclude those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israeli Occupation in 1967.