Published on: 9 June 2021

Prices increase by 5.1% in May compared to same month of previous year

Consumer prices were 5.1% higher on average in May 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 0.5% on average.

In 12 months, compared to May 2020:

Food prices were up by 2.6%, within which the price of edible oil by 24.6%, that of eggs by 8.7%, margarine and pasta product prices by 7.0% each, the price of meals at canteens by 6.6%, that of flour by 6.3%, fruit and vegetable juice prices by 6.2% and the price of rice by 6.1%. A price decrease of 7.5% was recorded for pork. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices grew by 12.2% on average, within which tobacco prices by 19.8%. Consumers paid 3.5% more for consumer durables, within which new passenger cars cost 9.2% and living and dining room furniture 6.7% more for consumers. Motor fuel prices became 36.2% higher.

In one month, compared to April 2021:

Consumer prices increased by 0.5% on average. Food became 0.8% more expensive, within which seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fresh domestic and tropical fruits altogether) cost 3.8%, meals at restaurants 1.9%, poultry meat 1.4%, cheese 1.2% and eggs 1.1% more, while pork 0.9% and flour 0.7% less for consumers. Consumers paid 0.9% more for clothing and footwear and 0.7% more for consumer durables. Motor fuel prices went up by 1.7%.

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

Consumer prices rose by 3.9% for all households on average and by 3.6% among pensioner households.

Consumer price indices, May 2021

(%)

Denomination Previous month = 100.0 Corresponding month of previous year = 100.0
Consumer price index100.5105.1
Harmonised index of consumer prices100.6105.3
Core inflation (original, seasonally unadjusted)a)100.4103.4
Consumer price index for pensioners100.5104.4

a) The Hungarian Central Statistical Office applies a new methodology for the computation of core inflation from April 2021, the indicator no more includes changes in the price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The time series were revised back to January 1995. Seasonally adjusted indices are available in Table 1.2.1.7 in the Summary tables (STADAT).