Average consumer price level rose by 0.8% in January

Compared to December 2011, the average consumer price level this past January rose by 0.8 percent. The average prices of goods rose by one percent, but of services – by 0.4 percent, LETA was informed by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB).

The greatest upward pressures on the price changes in January were from the housing, transport and food product groups, but downward – in clothing and footwear.

Due to the 12.2 percent increase in natural gas tariffs, overall gas prices increased by 8.6 percent, but the price of heating energy grew on average by 9.4 percent. Trash collection tariffs grew by 5.2 percent, whereas prices of other housing maintenance services - by 0.2 percent.

Within the transport group, the price of petrol increased on average by 5.3 percent, whilst the price of diesel - by 2.5 percent. Growth was also recorded in the price of driving lessons (+2.6 percent), parking (+1.3 percent) and airline tickets (+0.5 percent), but prices of used cars decreased (-1.8 percent).

In the food group, prices increased for fresh meat (+1.5 percent) and meat products (+1.3 percent), fish products (+2.5 percent), fresh vegetables (+12.6 percent), fruit (+5 percent), juices (+2.1 percent) and energy drinks (+9.1 percent), salt (+5.2 percent), chocolate confectionery (+8.3 percent) and bread (+1.8 percent). Due to special price offers, reduction was recorded for cereals (-1.2 percent), coffee (-3.4 percent), preserved vegetables (-1.8 percent) and soft drinks (-3.6 percent).

Prices also dropped for alcoholic beverages - by 2.2 percent, while a price increase was recorded for non-durable household goods - by 4.1 percent, individual care goods - by 3.9 percent, and cut flowers and plants – by 4.9 percent.

As a result of seasonal sales, prices of clothing and its accessories decreased by 7.1 percent, but prices of footwear - by 5.3 percent.

On the other hand, compared to January of previous year, consumer prices have increased by 3.6 percent. The average price level for goods increased by 4.3 percent, but for services - by 1.5 percent.

The annual average rate of change in January 2012 was 4.4 percent.

In 2012, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket is revised and updated. The weights used in the calculations of the index reflect household expenditure in 2011.

LETA

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