In February, the annual change in consumer price index was mainly influenced by housing expenditures

Goods were 3.5% and services 5.5% more expensive compared to February 2011.

Regulated prices of goods and services have risen by 10.3% and non-regulated prices by 2.2% compared to February of the previous year.

Compared to February 2011, the consumer price index was mainly influenced by housing expenditures, which accounted for more than 40% of the total increase, whereas the price increase of heat energy (up 16.7%) and electricity (up 13.7%) accounted for 70% of the increase in housing expenditures.  Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for a sixth of the total increase, and the 11.6% price increase of motor fuel accounted for a seventh of the total increase. Compared to February 2011, the prices of coffee (24%) and eggs (21%) have increased the most of all food products. In February 2012, potatoes were 56% cheaper and fresh vegetables 22% cheaper than in the same period last year.

In February, compared to January, the consumer price index was mainly influenced by the 0.9% price increase of food, the 3% price increase of alcoholic beverages, the 2.5% price increase of motor fuel and the 4.5% price decrease of mobile telecommunication services. The price increase of alcoholic beverages was caused by the end of large-scale sales and new alcohol excise duty rates that entered into force on 1 February 2012. The biggest change occurred in the price of bananas (up 40%) and grapes (down 23%).