Food prices rose by 8.1%

In September 2008 consumer prices have not changed compared to the previous month and rose by 5.7% compared to September 2007.

 In the first nine months of 2008 the
average increase of prices was 6.7% compared to the corresponding
period of year 2007. In September 2008 compared to the previous month
food prices decreased by 0.1% because of the 4.9% price decrease of
seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits) and 0.3%
price increase of other food items. Price increase was measured in
case of pork fat (6.8%), rice, other cereals (3.6%), meals at
kindergartens, nurseries (2.7%), other meat preparations (2.3%) as
well as pork (1.8%). Price decrease was measured in case of cheese
(2.1%), rolls (1.8%), edible oil (1.7%), as well as milk and egg
(1.3-1.3%). The price rise of clothing and footwear was the highest
(3.5%) due to the seasonal changes. In case of alcoholic beverages,
tobacco (0.6%) and other goods (0.3%) price increase was measured
comprising a 8.2% price rise of school-books. Prices of consumer
durable goods have not changed. In case of services prices decreased
by 0.8%, comprising a 10.3% price decrease of package holidays.

In September 2008 compared to September
2007 food prices rose by 8.1%, a higher-than-average rate. In this category a substantial
price increase was observed in case of edible oil (63.0%), rice,
other cereals (34.4%), flour (17.4%), milk (15.9%), pasta products
(14.7%), cheese (13.6%), pork (12.4%), as well as other meat
preparations (10.4%). In case of electricity, gas and other fuels
prices increased by 15.9%, at a rate higher than the average, while
piped gas rose by 31.3%. The price rise of alcoholic beverages,
tobacco (5.8%) was in line with the average. In case of other goods
price increase (5.1%) was below the average comprising a 11.7% price
rise of motor fuels and a 2.6% of pharmaceutical products.

The price rise of services (4.4%) was
lower than the average. In case of consumer durable goods as well as
clothing and footwear prices decreased by 1.3% and 0.7% compared to
September 2007.