Food price increase over the average

In May 2008 consumer prices rose by 1.1% compared to the previous month and increased by 7.0% compared to May 2007.

 In May 2008 compared to the previous
month food prices rose by 1.9%. This higher-than-average price rose was mainly due to the
increasing prices (11.4%) of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh
vegetables, fruits). Price increase was
measured in case of coffee at shops (3.1%), poultry meat (2.8%) as
well as chocolate, cocoa (2.3%). Food prices excluding seasonal food
items were 0.7% higher than in the previous month. In case of
electricity, gas and other fuels prices rose to the highest extent
(2.2%), while piped gas rose by 7.0%. In case of other goods prices
rose (1.1%) in line with the average, comprising a 3.2% price rise of
motor fuels. The price rise of clothing and footwear and services
(0.6-0.6%) as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.3%) was
lower than the average. Consumers paid 0.1% less for consumer durable
goods.

In May 2008 compared to May 2007 food
prices rose by 13.1%, a higher-than-average rate. In this category a substantial price increase
was observed in case of edible oil (69.2%), flour (45.8%), pasta
products (23.9%), milk (22.8%), cheese (22.1%), egg (19.8%), bread
(18.8%), as well as poultry meat (18.6%). In case of electricity, gas
and other fuels prices increased by 11.3%, at a rate higher than the
average, while piped gas rose by 17.5%. The price rise of other goods
was lower than the average (6.4%), comprising a 16.1% price rise of
motor fuels and a 1.8% of pharmaceutical products. The price rise of alcoholic beverages and tobacco
(5.4%) and services (5.0%) was lower than the average too.

Within services prices of refuse
disposal grew by 11.6%, sewerage disposal by 10.8%, water charges by
10.2%, telecommunication by 0.5%. In case of clothing and footwear
(0.7%) prices rose to lower extent. Prices of consumer durable goods
decreased by 0.1% compared to May 2007.