Household consumption rose by just 1.5% in the first half of 2007 compared with 2.7% in 2006, the national statistics office CBS reports on Monday. The main reason for the dip was lower gas use because of the warm weather.

Households spent 5% more on durable goods in the first six months of 2007 says the CBS. In 2006 the figure was 6%. Spending on food, drink and tobacco was up 1.7%, slightly less than in 2006. Spending was also down on services, with new financial regulations on day care nurseries accounting for a fall of 0.5%, the CBS said.