Fast increase at food price

In April 2008 consumer prices rose by 0.3% compared to the previous month and increased by 6.6% compared to April 2007.

In the first four months of 2008 the
average increase of prices was 6.8% compared to the corresponding
period of year 2007. In April 2008 compared to the previous
month food prices rose by 1.4%. Price increase was measured in case of edible oil (7.2%),
pork (3.9%), salami, sausages, ham (3.2%), as well as margarine
(3.0%). Food prices excluding seasonal food items were 1.2% higher
than in the previous month. In case of clothing and footwear prices
rose to the highest extent (2.7%), because of the usual seasonal
changes.

The price rise of alcoholic beverages
and tobacco (0.7%) was higher than the average too. Consumer paid
0.3% less for consumer durable goods. Prices of other goods and
services decreased by 0.2-0.2%. Within services 18.2% price decrease
was measured in case of health services mainly due to the withdrawal
of medical visit and daily hospitalization charges.

In April 2008 compared to April 2007
food prices rose by 12.7%, a higher-than-average rate. In this category a substantial price increase
was observed in case of edible oil (65.3%), flour (47.8%), pasta
products (22.9%), milk (22.4%), cheese (22.0%), bread (19.3%), as
well as rolls (16.8%). Price decrease was measured in case of sugar
(7.1%). In case of electricity, gas and other fuels prices increased
by 8.7%, at a rate higher than the average, while electricity prices
and piped gas rose by 9.8-9.8%. Prices of other goods rose lower than
the average (5.7%), comprising a 13.7% price rise of motor fuels and
a 2.0% of pharmaceutical products. The price rise of alcoholic
beverages and tobacco (5.5%) and services (5.4%) was lower than the
average too. Within services prices of refuse disposal grew by 11.5%,
sewerage disposal by 10.8%, water charges by 10.2%, telephone
services by 0.6%. Prices of health services decreased by 12.6%. In
case of clothing and footwear (0.7%) prices rose in lower extent.
Prices of consumer durable goods decreased by 0.3% compared to April
2007.