Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 1.1 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in April 2024, compared to April 2023, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 1.1 %.

Compared to April 2023, in April 2024 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of goods and services related to transport (0.4 percentage points), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.4 percentage points), health care (0.4 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to housing (1.1 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 0.6 %. Price rise for olive oil (29.1 %), bakery products (4.5 %), pork (5.2 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Growth was recorded in prices of potatoes (16.7 %), fruit and vegetable juices (12.4 %), sweets (18.5 %). Prices increased for soft drinks (10.6 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.3 %), milk (1.6 %), breakfast cereals (12.1 %), chocolate (3.2 %), dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (7.0 %), fresh fruit (0.8 %). In turn, decline was registered in prices of fresh vegetables (5.5 %), flours and other cereals (11.2 %), milk products (3.8 %), eggs (6.0 %), sugar (11.1 %), pasta products (7.1 %),  vegetable oil (8.0 %), butter (4.9 %), cheese and curd (1.0 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 5.9 %. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (4.8 %). Over the year average increase of 7.9 % was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 6.1 %. Over the year, the most significant drop in the prices was for heat energy (17.7 %). Prices went down for natural gas (19.2 %), electricity (4.0 %), solid fuels (12.1 %), sewage collection (5.0 %). In turn, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings (7.5 %), refuse collection (16.2 %), rentals for housing (6.9 %) became more expensive. Increase was recorded in services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, water supply.

The average level of health care prices grew by 6.4 %. Over the year, prices of pharmaceutical products, dental services, 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 increased by 3.2 %, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 4.5 %. Prices of diesel went up by 7.6 %, of petrol – by 2.6 %, while of auto gas – went down by 8.3 %. Over the year, rise in the prices was for maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, other services in respect of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by train. In turn, prices of passenger transport by air and of second-hand motor cars reduced.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of garments, telecommunication services, restaurant and café services, household cleaning and maintenance products, television subscription fee. In turn, prices of personal computers, footwear, articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went down.

Over the month, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.5 %.

Compared to March 2024, in April 2024 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.5 %. Rise in prices of clothing and footwear (0.4 percentage points), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.2 percentage points), as well as drop in prices within miscellaneous goods and services group (0.2 percentage points) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 0.3 %. Price rise for poultry (2.9 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level. Mainly due to the end of special offers, prices of bakery products (2.5 %), bread (1.1 %), chocolate (3.8 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (0.8 %), potatoes (3.9 %), eggs (1.8 %) increased. Increase was recorded in prices of breakfast cereals (8.7 %), fresh or chilled fish (5.3 %), olive oil (4.3 %) and pork (0.8 %). But prices of cheese and curd (2.7 %), coffee (2.1 %) fell due to the discounts. Decline was registered in prices of fresh vegetables (1.2 %), fresh fruit (1.5 %), sugar (4.0 %), flours and other cereals (2.0 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 2.1 %. Prices of tobacco products increased on average by 7.5 %. Mainly due to discounts on spirits, prices of alcoholic beverages went down by 0.5 %.

Prices within clothing and footwear group rose by 7.9 %. As the goods of the spring – summer season continued to enter the market, prices of footwear went up by 19.3 %, but of garments by 5.3 %.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 0.4 %. During the month the most significant price drop within the group was registered for electricity (1.3 %), solid fuels (2.3 %) and heat energy (0.3 %). In turn, increase was recorded in rentals for housing (2.0 %).

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 0.7 %, which was mainly determined by the rise in prices of passenger transport by road. Prices of fuels for transport went up by 0.6 %, of which prices of petrol by 2.0 %, of auto gas by 0.4 %, while prices of diesel reduced by 0.5 %. Upturn was recorded in prices of passenger transport by train. In turn, prices of passenger transport by air reduced.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture fell by 1.1 %. Prices of flowers and package holidays went down.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices decreased by 3.4 %. Prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products, non-electrical appliances for personal care went down, which was mainly affected by the discounts.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of dental services, hotel services, pre-primary education, pharmaceutical products and household furniture. In turn, prices of household cleaning and maintenance products went down.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2015, in April 2024 consumer prices were 45.9 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 46.0 % and prices of services by 43.6 %.

Information on consumer price changes in May 2024 will be published on 10 June.

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