Compared to the previous month food prices decreased by 0.7%

In July 2008 consumer prices rose by 0.1% compared to the previous month and increased by 6.7% compared to July 2007. In the first seven months of 2008 the average increase of prices was 6.8% compared to the corresponding period of year 2007.

Price increase was measured in case of
rice, other cereals (3.4%), edible oil (2.2%) as well as pork (1.4%).
On the other hand price decrease was measured in case of sugar (1.6%)
and egg (1.2%). The price rise of services was the highest (0.9%)
while consumers paid 7.9% more for recreational services. In case of
electricity, gas and other fuels prices increased by 0.8%, at a rate
higher than the average, while purchased heat rose by 3.4%. The price
rise of alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.6%) and other goods (0.3%) was
higher than the average too comprising a 1.1% price rise of motor
fuels. Prices of clothing and footwear decreased by 3.5% due to the
summer sale. Consumers paid 0.6% less for consumer durable goods.

In July 2008 compared to July 2007 food
prices rose by 12.4%, a higher-than-average rate. In this category a substantial price increase
was observed in case of edible oil (85.5%), flour (45.7%), pasta
products (24.2%), milk (22.8%), cheese (20.5%), egg (20.2%), pork
(18.9%) as well as bread (18.3%). In case of electricity, gas and
other fuels prices increased by 11.8%, at a rate higher than the
average, while piped gas rose by 17.7%. The price rise of other goods
was in line with the average (6.7%), comprising a 16.0% price rise of
motor fuels and a 2.4% of pharmaceutical products. The price rise of
alcoholic beverages and tobacco (6.2%) and services (4.6%) was lower
than the average too. In case of consumer durable goods as well as
clothing and footwear prices decreased by 1.1% and 0.2% compared to
July 2007.