Food prices increased again

In March 2009 consumer prices increased by 0.5% compared to the previous month and rose by
2.9% compared to March 2008, according to fresh data by KSH, Hungarian Statistical Office.

  In the first three months of 2009 the average increase of prices was 3.0% compared to the corresponding period of year 2008.  In March 2009 compared to the previous month food prices increased by 0.7%. Price increase was measured in case of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables, fruits) (4.7%) and sugar (1.8%). Prices of edible oil and cheese (both 1.6%) as well as pork (1.4%) decreased. Food prices excluding seasonal food items were 0.1% higher than in the previous month. The price rise of clothes and footwear was the highest (2.4%) due to the usual seasonal changes. In case of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and other goods the price rise (both 0.6%) was higher than the average too. In case of services the price rise was in line with the average. Prices of electricity, gas and other fuels did not change compared to the previous month. Consumers paid 1.0% less for consumer durable goods.In March 2009 compared to March 2008 food prices rose by 5.2%, a higher-than-average rate. In this category a substantial price increase was observed in case of pork fat (43.0%), rice, other cereals (23.1%) as well as pork (15.0%). Price decrease was measured in case of cheese (10.8%) and flour (5.8%). In case of electricity, gas and other fuels prices increased by 11.3%, at a rate higher than the average, while price of piped gas rose by 27.5%, electricity by 2.8%. The price rise of alcoholic beverages, tobacco (5.5%) was higher than the average too. In case of services the price rise (3.0%) was near to the average, prices of refuse disposal grew by 10.6%, water charges by 8.4%, sewerage disposal by 8.0%. Price decrease was measured in case of other goods (3.1%), comprising a 16.0% price decrease of motor fuels. Consumers paid 1.2% less for consumer durable goods compared to March 2008 and in
case of clothing and footwear price decrease (0.5%) was measured.