Published on: 11 April 2017

Prices up by 2.7% in March

Consumer prices were 2.7% higher on average in March 2017 than this time last year. The highest price rises over the past year were measured for other goods, including motor fuels, as well as for alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

In March 2017 compared to March 2016:

Consumer prices increased by 2.7% on average. Food prices rose by 2.2%, within which the price of sugar by 14.0%, pork prices by 10.8%, cheese prices by 7.1%, the price of rolls by 5.2%, those of other meat preparations by 5.0% and bread prices by 3.6%. The price of poultry meat was cut by 16.5% and that of eggs by 5.6%. A higher-than-average price rise of 7.6% was recorded for other goods (pharmaceutical products, motor fuels, household products and recreational goods), within which 17.1% for motor fuels. Consumers paid an average 2.6% more for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 1.6% more for services, 0.5% more for clothing and footwear and 0.5% more also for electricity, gas and other fuels. Consumer durables cost 0.6% less for consumers.

In March 2017 compared to February 2017:

Consumer prices were unchanged on average. Food prices remained unchanged, within which, however, the price of margarine increased by 3.0%, sugar prices by 1.8%, coffee prices by 1.7%, the price of rolls by 1.5%, bread prices by 1.0%, the price of eggs by 0.9% and poultry meat prices by 0.4%, while the prices of chocolate and cocoa were reduced by 1.8%, pork prices by 1.1%, the prices of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits) by 0.7% and edible oil prices by 0.5%. Due to seasonal changes the highest price increase (1.0%) was recorded for clothing and footwear. Electricity, gas and other fuels as well as services cost 0.2% more on average for consumers. The prices of consumer durables were unchanged. The prices of other goods decreased by 0.5%, within which those of motor fuels by 1.1%, while the prices of pharmaceutical products rose by 0.3%. The prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco were lowered by 0.3%.

In January–March 2017 compared to the same period of the previous year:

Consumer prices went up by 2.6% on average.

Consumer price indices, March 2017

(%)

Denomination Previous month=100.0% Corresponding month of previous year=100.0%
Consumer price index100.0102.7
Harmonised consumer price index100.0102.7
Core inflation (seasonally adjusted)100.0101.8
Consumer price index for pensioners100.0102.4