Consumer prices generally have not changed this month, apart from petrol prices, according to STATEC’s report for March.
Aside from the fall in petroleum product prices this month, consumer prices are generally stable, compared to the previous month with a monthly rate of increase of 0.01%. The annual rate of inflation remains stable at 1.8%.
The monthly change in prices for goods and services excluding petroleum products was + 0.05% in March. Meanwhile, travel package deal prices boosted inflation by 2.0% last month.
Regarding food, dried, smoked or frozen fish, chocolate and dishes also directed the general index upwards. This is also seen among the increasing prices of cars and tires, as well as for games and hobbies.
On the downside, last month witnessed a drop in the price of fresh vegetables by 11.0%. Nevertheless, as a result of bad harvests, consumers still have to pay 12.9% more than a year ago.
Despite a 0.8% decline from the previous month, petroleum product prices are 11.5% above their level of March 2016. The energy bill has increased mainly for heating oil, as households have to spend more than 33% more than a year ago to fill their tank.
Whilst fuel pump prices are going down this month, in one year prices have climbed by 14.8% for a full tank of diesel and 13.9% for a full tank of petrol.
