Rising prices of services are driving inflation – not food
Although food prices continue to be the focus of public discourse and government measures, according to the latest statistics, it is not food prices but service prices that currently pose the biggest challenge in the fight against inflation. According to data from the Central Statistical Office (KSH), in February 2024, services increased in price by an average of 9.2 percent compared to the same period of the previous year – compared to a 7.1 percent increase in food prices – 24.hu reports.
The house does not burn best where it is extinguished
While the Ministry of National Economy (NGM) introduced another margin freeze for 30 food categories as of March 17 in order to reduce price levels, official data shows otherwise: the engine of inflation is clearly the rise in prices in the service sector. Moreover, this trend is not new: every month since November 2023, service inflation has exceeded that of other segments.
24 categories rose more than average
According to detailed KSH data, 24 service categories exceeded the average price increase of 9.2 percent in February. The largest jump was shown by the other services not elsewhere classified group (19.2%), followed by other services related to passenger vehicles (16.3%), and telephone and fax services (16%).
What is behind it?
The price increase in the service sector is primarily due to the increase in wage costs, which, due to the specific characteristics of the sector, is directly and significantly reflected in consumer prices. In contrast to industry or trade, where the proportion of live labor is smaller, wages account for a significant part of costs in service enterprises. As a result, it is almost impossible not to pass on the increase in wages to final consumers – so prices almost automatically increase.
Related news
Prices of most dairy products decreased in April
According to AKI PÁIR data, the national average producer price…
Read more >OKSZ makes proposals to help smooth the elimination of the margin cap
In order to avoid further uncertainty, the international food retail…
Read more >A new step to strengthen SMEs, the National Champions loan program has been launched
The GINOP Plusz National Champions call for applications has been…
Read more >Related news
Vegetables for Children’s Day – foodora is preparing a surprising promotion
Foodora is announcing a fruit and vegetable promotion on the…
Read more >EY: Energy procurement has become a key issue – fluctuating prices are affecting the competitiveness of more and more companies
The majority of companies are concerned about securing the energy…
Read more >Change in Danone’s Hungarian management: Péter Csaplovics is the new sales director
Péter Csaplovics will be Danone’s Sales Director in Hungary from…
Read more >