The consumer price index has recovered with a rate of 1.4% for February, an increase of 0.3% on January, according to figures released by national statistics agency, STATEC. The annual rate of inflation is following a similar trajectory, reaching 1.8% with an underlying rate that stayed at 1.2%. 

The figures reflect increases in sectors affected by winter trends, including clothing and footwear, up 18.3% compared to January, leisure and culture, up 1.6%, and Furniture, household goods and routine maintenance of housing, which saw an increase in spending of 2.2%. 

Notwithstanding a slight drop from last month, petroleum prices are still 15.2% higher than in February a year ago. As a result, households have to pay nearly 50% more to fill their oil tank. And while petrol prices fell again this month, motorists are still paying 18.4% more for a full tank of diesel and 15.7% for a full tank of petrol than they did in February 2016. 

Minor price increases were noted for several services, such as hairdressing, while nursing homes recorded a 2.8% increase.

Overall, food prices rose by 0.6% compared with January. Some products sold in supermarkets such as fresh fruits and vegetables, certain meats and bakery products, as well as beer and spirits caused a slight upward impacts on the overall index. However, other items have seen their prices fall, especially for fresh fish and fresh or dried seafood. 

On a year-on-year basis, passenger traffic increased by 3.7% for consumers.

The general index for February expressed in base points 100 in 2015 is 101.77 points. The half-yearly average of the index linked to base 1.1.1948 increases from 833.47 to 834.95 points. The next indexing will be triggered when the value of 852.63 is reached or exceeded.