Last year's inflation in Hungary 6.1%

In December 2008 consumer prices decreased by 0.3% compared to the previous month and rose by
3.5% compared to December 2007 – published the Hungarian Central Statistical Office.

 In December 2008 compared to the
previous month food prices increased by 0.2%. Price increase was measured in case of egg (4.7%),
pork fat (4.6%) as well as seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables, fruits) (3.4%). Price
decrease was measured in case of edible oil (5.8%), cheese (5.7%) and
flour (5.2%). Food prices excluding seasonal food items were 0.1%
lower than in the previous month. The price rise of electricity, gas
and other fuels and alcoholic beverages, tobacco as well as services
was low (0.1%). In case of consumer durable goods prices did not
change. In case of clothing and footwear (0.1%), and other goods
(2.6%) price decrease was measured. Within other goods price decrease
of motor fuels was 9.4%.

In December 2008 compared to December
2007 food prices rose by 4.3%, a higher-than-average rate. In this category a substantial
price increase was observed in case of pork fat (41.4%), rice, other
cereals (26.0%) as well as pork (16.3%). Price decrease was measured
in case of seasonal food items (18.9%). In case of electricity, gas
and other fuels prices increased by 18.1%, at a rate higher than the
average, while piped gas rose by 41.7%, electricity by 9.8%. The
price rise of alcoholic beverages, tobacco (5.7%) and services (3.9%)
was higher than the average. Consumers paid 0.6% less for consumer
durable goods compared to December 2007. In case of other goods
prices decreased by 3.4% comprising a 15.5% price decrease of motor
fuels.

In 2008 the average increase of prices
was 6.1% compared to the year 2007. The price rise of electricity, gas and other fuels was
the highest (12.7%). Prices of food items rose by 10.2%, at a rate higher than the average. In case of
alcoholic beverages, tobacco (5.6%) and services (5.0%) as well as
other goods (4.6%) price increase was below the average. Prices of
clothing and footwear did not change. Consumers paid 0.7% less for
consumer durable goods compared to year 2007.