Prices increased by 3.9% in March
Consumer prices were 3.9% higher on average in March 2020 than a year earlier. Significant price rises were measured over the past year for food as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Food prices rose at a higher rate than usual compared to February, which may have been caused by the effects of the corona virus epidemic. Motor fuel prices went down in effect over a month as a result of significantly falling oil prices.
In 12 months, compared to March 2019:
Food prices went up by 7.6%, within which pork prices became 27.4%, the price of other meat preparations 20.8%, salami, sausages and ham prices 12.2%, the price of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits) 11.9%, sugar prices 10.1%, the price of milk 9.1% and bread prices 8.4% higher. The price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose by 7.2% on average, within which tobacco prices by 11.3%. Consumers paid 3.8% more for services, within which rent increased by 8.7% and the price of recreation in the country by 8.1%. Motor fuel prices were cut by 2.1%.
In one month, compared to February 2020:
Consumer prices rose by 0.2% on average. Food prices went up at a higher rate than usual, by 1.0% on average, which may have been influenced by the growing demand caused by the corona virus epidemic. Within food prices, the price of edible oil became 4.9%, that of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits) 3.5%, sugar prices 2.3%, cheese and dairy product prices both 1.5% and the price of bread 1.4% higher. Consumers paid 0.9% more for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, within which tobacco became 1.2% more expensive. The price of clothing and footwear increased by 0.8% and that of services by 0.5%. As a result of significantly falling oil prices the price of motor fuels was cut by 5.3%, so this product group alone lowered the rise in the consumer price index by 0.4 percentage point.
In January–March 2020 compared to the same period of the previous year:
Consumer prices went up by 4.3% on average.
Consumer price indices, March 2020
(%)
| Denomination | Previous month = 100.0 | Corresponding month of previous year = 100.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer price index | 100.2 | 103.9 |
| Harmonised consumer price index | 100.2 | 103.9 |
| Core inflation (original, seasonally unadjusted)a) | 100.6 | 104.3 |
| Consumer price index for pensioners | 100.4 | 104.2 |
a) Seasonally adjusted indices are available in Summary tables (STADAT), in Table 3.6.6.