Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 6.4 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in July 2023, compared to July 2022, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 6.4 %.

Compared to July 2022, in July 2023 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (2.9 percentage points), goods and services related to housing (1.2 percentage points), health care (0.6 percentage points), goods and services related to recreation and culture (0.6 percentage points), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.6 percentage points), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.6 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to transport (1.3 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 11.2 %. Price rise for bread (22.9 %), bakery products (12.0 %), pasta products (15.4 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (9.4 %), pork (15.2 %) and meat preparations (+8.7 %) also went up. Prices rose for cheese and curd (7.2 %), eggs (14.4 %), milk (3.1 %). During the year, prices increased for fresh vegetables (15.9 %), fresh fruit (18.1 %), coffee (9.9 %), sugar (44.6 %), ice cream (18.6 %), fruit and vegetable juices (19.7 %), potatoes (16.9 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (16.4 %), soft drinks (19.4 %), chocolate (8.0 %), sauces and condiments (19.4 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 8.6 %. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (9.7 %). Over the year average increase of 6.5 % was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 5.9 %. Over the year, the most significant growth in the prices was for heat energy (17.8 %) and electricity (13.0 %). Upturn was recorded in prices of water supply, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, sewage collection, as well as refuse collection. In turn, natural gas (40.4 %) and solid fuels (15.6 %) became cheaper.

The average level of health care prices grew by 10.6 %. 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 9.0 %, which was mainly affected by the fall in prices of fuels for transport by 21.8 %. Prices of diesel went down by 25.0 %, of petrol – by 18.7 %, but of auto gas – by 12.2 %. In turn, increase was observed in prices of passenger transport by air, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, as well as passenger transport by road.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 10.0 %, as prices of pet food, recreational and sporting services, television subscription fee, flowers, newspapers and magazines went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 12.3 %, which was mainly 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 restaurant and café services, telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, garments and canteen services.

Over the month, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.7 %

Compared to June 2023, in July 2023 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.7 %. Upturn in prices of goods and services related to housing (0.7 percentage points), goods and services related to transport (0.3 percentage points), furnishings (0.1 percentage point), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.1 percentage point), as well as downturn in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.3 percentage points), clothing and footwear (0.2 percentage points) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 1.2 %. The greatest pressure on the price changes was put by the drop in prices of fresh vegetables (11.4 %). Due to the discounts, prices of cheese and curd reduced by 4.0 %, of coffee by 3.2 %, of milk by 2.6 %, of flours and other cereals by 3.5 %, of dried, salted or smoked meat by 0.6 %, of dried fruit and nuts by 5.6 %, as well as of fresh or chilled fish by 4.0 %. Under the influence of seasonal factors fresh fruits became 2.7 % cheaper. In turn, prices of potatoes rose by 16.2 %, which was affected by the new potato crop entering the market. Due to the end of special offers, increase was recorded in prices of milk products (1.9 %), mainly of sour cream, bakery products (1.5 %), chocolate (2.6 %). Prices of pork (1.4 %) also went up.

Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 4.5 %. Mainly affected by sales of summer season clothing and footwear, the average price level of garments dropped by 4.6 % and of footwear by 5.2 %.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 3.6 %. During the month the most significant price rise in the group was registered for electricity (17.6 %), which was determined by the increase in prices of services for electrical distribution systems from July 1. Increase was recorded in services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling. In turn, heat energy and solid fuels became cheaper.

Within the furnishings group prices rose on average by 3.0 %. Due to the end of sales, increase was recorded in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products, household furniture.

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 2.2 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of passenger transport by air. Prices of fuels for transport increased by 2.1 %, of which prices of diesel by 3.7 %, of petrol by 0.9 %, but prices of auto gas decreased by 1.6 %. Upturn was also recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 1.8 %. Mainly due to 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 pharmaceutical products, package holidays, hotel services, beer, recreational and sporting services, restaurant and café services. In turn, prices of flowers and personal computers went down.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2015, in July 2023 consumer prices were 45.2 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 46.4 % and prices of services by 39.8 %.

Information on consumer price changes in August 2023 will be published on 8 September.

More information on consumer price changes is available in the official statistics portal section “Consumer prices”.

*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