The consumer price index increased in August

Compared to August 2015, goods were 1.0% more expensive and services 0.9% cheaper. Regulated prices of goods and services have risen by 0.7% and non-regulated prices by 0.3% compared to August of the previous year.

Compared to August 2015, the consumer price index was influenced the most by both alcoholic beverages and tobacco having become 7.8% more expensive, which was mainly due to the implementation of new excise duty rates in 2016. Electricity, heat energy and fuels also had a bigger impact on the index, as they became 5.2% cheaper, with 9.5% cheaper heat energy accounting for three quarters of the drop. Compared to the period a year ago, diesel fuel was 3.2% more expensive and petrol 5.4% cheaper. Compared to August 2015, of food products, the prices of low-fat milk (12%) and whole milk (9%) have decreased the most, whereas the prices of processed fruit (27%) and sugar (24%) have increased the most.

In August compared to July, the consumer price index was influenced the most by food having become 1.4% cheaper as a result of vegetables having undergone a 12% and fruit a 6% seasonal price drop. The widespread sales of clothing and footwear having ended and 4.8% more expensive tobacco products also had a bigger impact on the index.

With one minor exception (+0.1% in May 2015), the 12-month change in the consumer price index was negative from June 2014 until July 2016.