Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.9 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in January 2024, compared to January 2023, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 0.9 %.

Compared to January 2023, in January 2024 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.8 percentage points), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.5 percentage points), health care (0.4 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to housing (1.4 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 2.9 %. Price rise of fresh vegetables (22.9 %) and fresh fruit (10.7 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Pork (9.3 %) and dried, salted or smoked meat (3.0 %) became more expensive. Prices rose also for coffee (10.1 %), bread (3.1 %), bakery products (5.2 %), olive oil (28.3 %), ice cream (13.4 %), sweets (18.9 %), fruit and vegetable juices (10.9 %). In turn, fall was registered in prices of milk (19.5 %), milk products (10.5 %), poultry (5.2 %), flours and other cereals (8.2 %), vegetable oil (14.8 %), eggs (7.1 %), butter (9.4 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 7.7 %. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (8.4 %). Over the year average increase of 6.4 % was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 7.4 %. Over the year, the most significant drop in the prices was for heat energy (19.3 %). Prices went down for solid fuels (20.5 %), natural gas (19.2 %), electricity (2.7 %), sewage collection (11.9 %) and water supply (3.4 %). In turn, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings (7.7 %), rentals for housing (8.0 %) and refuse collection (13.1 %) became more expensive. Increase was recorded in services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, as well as in prices of materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling.

The average level of health care prices grew by 6.8 %. Over the year, prices of dental services, pharmaceutical products, prices in medical specialist practice and services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centres went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport reduced by 2.5 %, which was affected by the fall in prices of fuels for transport by 6.3 %. Prices of diesel went down by 7.7 %, of petrol – by 2.9 %, but of auto gas – by 15.5 %. Over the year, drop in prices was also registered for second-hand motor cars. In turn, increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment and other services in respect of personal transport equipment.

The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices increased by 6.2 %. Upturn was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 6.6 %, of canteen services by 6.5 % and of fast food services by 4.6 %. Over the year, prices of hotel services also went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 5.4 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products. Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services, child care services and retirement home fee for elderly persons were more expensive as well.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products, garments, pet food, pre-primary education, television subscription fee.

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

Compared to December 2023, in January 2024 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.8 %. Rise in prices of goods and services related to housing (0.4 percentage points), prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.4 percentage points) as well as drop in prices of clothing and footwear (0.3 percentage points) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 1.5 %. The most significant price rise was registered for fresh vegetables (9.6 %) and fresh fruit (2.8 %). Due to the end of special offers, prices increased for cheese and curd (3.2 %), butter (7.5 %), milk products (2.4 %), as well as yoghurt (4.1 %). As the promotions ended, prices of poultry (1.9 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (0.5 %) went up. Prices increased also for potatoes (3.4 %) and pork (0.8 %). But prices of eggs (4.7 %), dried fruit and nuts (4.2 %), sweets (3.1 %) and pasta products (2.4 %) fell due to the discounts.

Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 4.9 %. Affected by discounts and sales of winter goods, the average price level of garments dropped by 5.1 %, but prices of footwear – by 4.8 %.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing rose by 2.5 %. Prices of electricity on average went up by 5.6 % and most significantly affected price rise within the group. As of 1 January 2024, compensation for the fixed part of electricity distribution tariff (payment for transmission power maintenance) for natural persons has expired, and reduction of the fixed fee for distribution system services for household connections with a capacity of up to 25 amperes has entered into force. As of 1 January 2024, the new distribution system service tariffs for natural gas has entered into force, as a result natural gas was 12.2 % more expensive. Over the month, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings became more expensive (5.2 %). Due to the increase of natural resource tax, prices of refuse collection services on average rose by 6.5 %. Solid fuels and heat energy became cheaper.

Within the health care group prices rose by 1.8 %. Prices of dental services, pharmaceutical products and prices in medical specialist practice went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport decreased by 1.1 %, which was mainly determined by the fall in prices of passenger transport by air. In turn, as prices of diesel (0.7 %) and petrol (0.7 %) went up, prices of fuels for transport increased by 0.6 %. Prices of auto gas didn’t change. Over the month, upturn was also recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 2.9 %. Mainly due to the end of sales campaigns, prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went up. Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services also became more expensive.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products, household furniture, wine, spirits and pet food. In turn, fall was registered in prices of hotel services and fiction books.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2015, in January 2024 consumer prices were 43.3 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 43.8 % and prices of services by 39.8 %.

Information on consumer price changes in February 2024 will be published on 8 March.

*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.

**Weights reflect expenditure share of the respective commodity group in the total household expenditure.

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More information on data:
Nataļja Dubkova
Consumer Price Indices Section
E-mail: Natalja.Dubkova@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366644