Consumer price index increased in August

All through the year 2008 the change of the consumer price index compared to the respective month of the previous year, has stayed around 11%, being the lowest in March (10.9%) and the highest in April and June (11.4%).

In August 2008 compared to August of the previous year, the prices of goods changed by 11.0%, of which the prices of food by 17.1% and the prices of manufactured goods by 6.2%. The prices of services increased by 11.2%. Regulated prices of goods and services changed by 23.5% and non-regulated prices by 7.6%. The index was mainly influenced by the price increase of food, higher prices of motor fuel accompanied by the increase in the prices of transport services, increase in the expenditures on housing, as well as by the increase in the prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Annual price increase of food and transport accounted for a half, housing — for a sixth, and alcohol and tobacco, the rates of excise duties of which had increased — for nearly an eighth of the total percentage change.

On average, the prices of goods and services in August were 0.1% higher than in July. The consumer price index was mainly influenced by the decrease in the prices of motor fuel, by the seasonal price decrease of vegetables, by the increase in the prices of tobacco products proceeding from the change in the rates of excise duties, and the end of special sales of clothing and footwear.

Change of the consumer price index by commodity groups, August 2008