Dubai (PTI): Inflation in Qatar has reached a record high of about 17 per cent in the second quarter of this year.

Weakness of dollar in global markets coupled with skyrocketing prices of food and other commodities are reasons cited for the market reaching such height.

The consumer price index of household consumption stood at 166.87 points in the second quarter of this year compared with 147.86 points during the same period last year which translated into an inflation rate of 16.59 per cent, statistical authority said yesterday.

The country's inflation rate for the first quarter was 14.75 per cent.

Of the eight major groups of commodities and services in the country, four witnessed double-digit growth leading to surge in inflation even as the government is making efforts to bring it down to a target of 6-7 per cent.

Like most other Gulf countries, Qatar's currency is also pegged to the dollar and tackling inflation has become government's prime responsibility.

A recent Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) report says Qatar, along with the UAE, has failed to qualify in one of the five criteria for the common GCC currency union as its inflation was much above the set standards.