Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 21.8 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in October 2022, compared to October 2021, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 21.8 %.

Compared to October 2021, in October 2022 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of goods and services related to housing, food and non-alcoholic beverages, goods and services related to transport, within the miscellaneous goods and services group, restaurant and hotel services, goods and services related to recreation and culture, health care, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 29.5 %. Price rise for bread (36.6 %), bakery products (27.2 %), flours and other cereals (63.9 %), pasta products (35.4 %) and rice (41.7 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Upturn was recorded in prices of cheese and curd (37.2 %), milk products (34.3 %), milk (43.1 %), yoghurt (24.2 %), eggs (17.2 %). Rise was observed in prices of poultry (35.2 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (20.2 %), pork (22.6 %), meat preparations (21.5 %) and beef (40.6 %). During the year, prices increased for coffee (35.1 %), fresh vegetables (24.3 %), fresh fruit (22.8 %), sugar (75.1 %), butter (43.1 %), vegetable oil (50.6 %), chocolate (25.5 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (28.9 %), ice cream (21.1 %), sauces and condiments (39.2 %), fruit and vegetable juices (13.6 ), soft drinks (22.3 %). Rise was observed in prices of frozen fish (39.3 %), fresh or chilled fish (29.5 %), potatoes (14.4 %), jams and honey (17.0 %), margarine (40.9 %), salt and spices (31.9 %), sweets (21.7 %), ready-made meals (28.8 %), olive oil (21.6 %), dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (18.1 %), crisps (40.0 %), tea (17.8 %), dried fruit and nuts (16.7 %), mineral water (13.4 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 5.6 %. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (6.1 %). Over the year average increase of 4.8 % was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 46.9 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy, solid fuels, natural gas and electricity. Upturn was recorded in prices of sewage collection, water supply, refuse collection, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling as well as maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings.

The average level of health care prices grew by 8.3 %. Over the year, prices of dental services, pharmaceutical products, prices in medical specialist practice, services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centres as well as for glasses and contact lenses went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 20.1 %, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 32.1 %. Prices of diesel rose by 40.4 %, of petrol – by 23.4 %, but of auto gas – by 12.5 %. Upturn was recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, second-hand motor cars, passenger transport by road, new motor cars as well as passenger transport by air.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 8.0 %. During the year, prices increased for pet food, recreational and sporting services, package holidays, television subscription fee, stationery and drawing materials, flowers as well as newspapers and magazines.

The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices went up by 18.2 %. Increase was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 15.7 %, of canteen services – by 18.3 % and of fast food services – by 16.9 %. Over the year, prices of hotel services also went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 15.3 %, which was most significantly affected by the rise in prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products. Motor vehicle insurance, retirement home fee for elderly persons, hairdressing and personal grooming establishment services were more expensive as well.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of garments, household furniture, telecommunication services, footwear, household cleaning and maintenance products, non-electric kitchen utensils and articles, pre-primary education.

Over the month, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.8 %

Compared to September 2022, in October 2022 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.8 %. The greatest pressure on the price level changes was put by the rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, goods and services related to transport, goods and services related to recreation and culture, health care, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, clothing and footwear, as well as by the fall in prices of goods and services related to housing.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 2.1 %. The most significant rise in the prices was for fresh vegetables (23.3 %). Increase was also registered in prices of bread (2.4 %), milk (4.1 %), sugar (8.5 %), cheese and curd (1.2 %), soft drinks (7.2 %). Upturn was recorded in prices of bakery products (1.2 %), beef (7.8 %), fresh fruit (1.2 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (3.3 %) and pork (1.1 %). As the promotions ended, prices of vegetable oil (3.1 %), fruit and vegetable juices (2.5 %) went up. Prices rose for tea (4.4 %), flours and other cereals (1.1 %), margarine (5.2 %), frozen fish (3.9 %) and meat preparations (1.0 %). Due to the discounts, coffee (1.0 %) and crisps (6.6 %) had the most significant price drop within the group. Downturn was also registered in prices of dried, smoked or salted fish (5.0 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 0.5 %. As prices of beer went up and discounts on spirits ended, prices of alcoholic beverages increased by 0.7 %. In turn, due to the discounts, prices of wine fell. Prices of tobacco products increased on average by 0.1 %.

Prices within clothing and footwear group went up by 0.6 %, which continued to be affected by the entrance of winter clothing and footwear collections in the market. Prices of garments increased by 2.5 %, but of footwear – reduced by 5.4 %.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing fell by 1.8 %. As of 1 October, the government is compensating for the increase in electricity prices – all households will be applied a fixed fee of 0.16 EUR/kWh for the first 100 kWh every month. As a result, during the month electricity became cheaper by 28.9% and had the most significant impact on the price drop in the group. In addition to the previously adopted support instruments, as of 1 October a single natural gas price threshold of 0.1087 EUR/kWh was set for households whose monthly consumption exceeds 221 kWh per month. As a result, prices of natural gas on average fell by 0.2 % during the month. Also rentals for housing became cheaper (by 2.6 %).

In the period from 1 October 2022 to 30 April 2023, national support is provided by compensating part of the increase in heat energy. Taking into account the support measures, heat energy became more expensive in October on average by 16.5 %, which is a smaller increase than it would have been without the national compensation. Sewage collection, water supply as well as solid fuels also became more expensive.

The average level of health care prices grew by 1.0 %. Prices of dental services and medical specialist practice went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 3.0 %, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 4.7 %. Prices of diesel rose by 5.6 %, of petrol – by 3.9 %, but of auto gas – by 0.7 %. Prices of spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment went up. In turn, prices of passenger transport by air reduced.

The average price level of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 1.1 %. Upturn was observed in prices of pet food, cultural services, flowers, recreational and sporting services, personal computers and magazines. Prices of package holidays went down.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in retirement home fee for elderly persons, catering services, non-electric kitchen utensils and articles. In turn, prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products as well as household cleaning and maintenance products went down.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2015, in October 2022 consumer prices were 40.2 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 43.1 % and prices of services by 30.4 %.

Information on consumer price changes in November 2022 will be published on 8 December.

*The annual inflation reflects consumer price changes, comparing the average price level in the comparison month with the average price level in the corresponding month of the previous year.

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More information on data:
Ralfs Melbergs
Consumer Price Indices Section
E-mail: Ralfs.Melbergs@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366616