Published on: 9 April 2021

Prices increase by 3.7% in March compared to same month of previous year

Consumer prices were 3.7% higher on average in March 2021 than a year earlier. Significant price rises were measured over the last 12 months for alcoholic beverages and tobacco as well as motor fuels. In one month, consumer prices increased by 0.7% on average.

In 12 months, compared to March 2020:

Food prices were up by 2.7%, within which the price of edible oil by 21.3%, that of flour by 8.2%, sugar prices by 7.6%, rice prices by 6.8%, the price of meals at canteens by 6.6% and eggs prices by 6.4%. A price decrease of 7.8% was recorded for pork and of 1.9% for cheese. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco became an average 10.3%, within which tobacco 17.5% more expensive. Consumers paid 3.6% more for consumer durables, within which new passenger cars cost 11.4% and living and dining room furniture 5.4% more for consumers. Motor fuel prices became 17.7% higher.

In one month, compared to February 2021:

Consumer prices increased by 0.7% on average. Food became 0.4% more expensive, within which eggs cost 2.7%, edible oil 1.6% and poultry meat 1.4% more, while pasta products 1.3% and salami, sausages and ham 1.1% less for consumers. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices went up by 1.3% on average, within which tobacco prices by 2.1%. Motor fuel prices became 6.6% higher.

In January–March 2021 compared to same period of previous year:

Consumer prices rose by 3.2% for all households on average and by 3.1% among pensioner households.

Consumer price indices, March 2021

(%)

Denomination Previous month = 100.0 Corresponding month of previous year = 100.0
Consumer price index100.7103.7
Harmonised index of consumer prices100.8103.9
Core inflation (original, seasonally unadjusted)a)100.4103.9
Consumer price index for pensioners100.6103.4

a) Seasonally adjusted indices are available in Table 1.2.1.7 in the Summary tables (STADAT).