Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 12.1 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in May 2023, compared to May 2022, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 12.1 %.

Compared to May 2022, in May 2023 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.6 percentage points), goods and services related to housing (4.4 percentage points), goods and services related to recreation and culture (0.7 percentage points), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.7 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to transport (1.1 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 17.9 %. Price rise for bread (33.5 %), bakery products (18.7 %), flours and other cereals (8.3 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (17.7 %), pork (12.7 %) and meat preparations (10.2 %) also went up. Prices increased for cheese and curd (13.5 %), eggs (22.3 %), milk products (7.1 %), milk (8.6 %), yoghurt (9.4 %). During the year, prices increased for fresh vegetables (28.6 %), coffee (26.3 %), fresh fruit (16.6 %), sugar (59.7 %), ice cream (25.8 %), fruit and vegetable juices (24.8 %), chocolate (14.6 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (20.4 %), sauces and condiments (38.0 %), soft drinks (26.6 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 8.6 %. As prices of beer, spirits and wine went up alcoholic beverages became more expensive (9.2 %). Over the year average increase of 7.4 % was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 24.8 %. Over the year, the most significant growth in the prices was for heat energy (50.4 %) and electricity (25.2 %). Upturn was recorded in prices of solid fuels, natural gas, water supply, sewage collection, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, as well as refuse collection.

The average level of health care prices grew by 10.4 %. Over the year, prices of pharmaceutical products, prices in medical specialist practice, dental services went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport reduced by 7.7 %, which was mainly affected by the fall in prices of fuels for transport by 19.3 %. Prices of diesel went down by 24.2 %, of petrol – by 14.7 %, but of auto gas – by 5.5 %. In turn, increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, as well as passenger transport by air.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 11.4 %, as prices of pet food, recreational and sporting services, television subscription fee, flowers, newspapers and magazines, stationery and drawing materials, package holidays went up.

The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices increased by 17.4 %. Upturn was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 13.2 %, of canteen services by 16.0 % and of fast food services by 17.3 %. Over the year, prices of hotel services also went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 14.2 %, which was significantly affected by the rise in prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products. Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services, retirement home fee for elderly persons, motor vehicle insurance were more expensive as well.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, garments.

Over the month, the average level of consumer prices rose by 1.2 %

Compared to April 2023, in May 2023 the average level of consumer prices increased by 1.2 %. The greatest pressure on the price level changes was put by the rise in prices of goods and services related to housing (1.2 percentage points), restaurant and hotel services (0.1 percentage point), within the miscellaneous goods and services group (0.1 percentage point), health care (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to transport (0.3 percentage points).

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 0.1 %. Prices decreased for fresh vegetables (3.6 %) and fresh fruit (1.3 %). Due to the discounts, prices of milk products (2.7 %), chocolate (2.1 %), poultry (1.1 %), meat preparations (1.8 %), pasta products (2.5 %), fresh and chilled fish (3.1 %) fell. More expensive were pork (4.2 %) and eggs (2.5 %). Due to the end of special offers, increase was recorded in prices of cheese and curd (1.6 %), milk (2.3 %), fruit and vegetable juices (2.5 %), potatoes (3.0 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (0.4 %), vegetable oil (2.6 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 0.5 %. Over the month, mainly due to the end of special offers on beer and wine, prices of alcoholic beverages went up (0.7 %). Prices of tobacco products increased on average by 0.2 %.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 6.5 %. As of 1 May 2023, state support instruments for compensating the increase in prices of energy resources for households expired, as a result electricity prices increased on average by 28.0 % and prices of heat energy on average went up by 8.4 %. Water supply, refuse collection and sewage collection became more expensive. According to amendments to the Energy Law, as of 1 May 2023 the natural gas market was fully opened to households and natural gas is no longer offered at a regulated price. As a result, prices of natural gas on average fell by 26.6 % during the month. Prices also fell for solid fuel.

Within the furnishings group prices rose on average by 1.3 %. Due to the end of sales, increase was recorded in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products.

Within the health care group prices rose by 1.0 %. Prices in medical specialist practice and pharmaceutical products went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport decreased by 2.3 %, which was mainly affected by the fall in prices of fuels for transport by 5.2 %. Prices of diesel reduced by 7.0 %, of petrol – by 3.5 %, of auto gas – by 1.4 %. Spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment became cheaper, but prices of roadworthiness test of motor vehicles went up.

The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices increased by 4.1 %. During the World Hockey Championship, prices of hotel services on average rose by 32.2 %. Prices of restaurant and café services also went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 2.2 %. Mainly affected by the end of sales campaigns, prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went up.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of garments and fiction books. In turn, prices of pet food, footwear and flowers went down.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2015, in May 2023 consumer prices were 46.1 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 48.5 % and prices of services by 37.6 %.

Information on consumer price changes in June 2023 will be published on 11 July.

*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 6736661