Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 2.2 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in November 2024, compared to November 2023, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 2.2 %.

Compared to November 2023, in November 2024 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.1 percentage point), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.5 percentage points), goods and services related to recreation and culture (0.4 percentage points), health care (0.4 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to transport (0.5 percentage points), goods and services related to housing (0.3 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 4.3 %. Price rise for fresh vegetables (of 11.4 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Upturn was recorded in prices of milk products (10.3 %), chocolate (19.2 %), butter (23.1 %), poultry (7.6 %), bakery products (6.9 %), milk (7.6 %), olive oil (23.4 %), cheese and curd (3.2 %), fresh fruit (3.6 %), fruit and vegetable juices (11.6 %). Increase over the year was also observed in prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (1.9 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (9.0 %), potatoes (9.5 %). In turn, prices reduced for sugar by 27.4 %, flours and other cereals by 7.4 %.

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 7.5 %. Over the year average increase of 13.1 % was observed in prices of tobacco products. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (4.5 %) as well.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 1.8 %. Over the year, the most significant drop in the prices was for heat energy (9.1 %) and electricity (5.5 %). Prices fell for solid fuels (2.4 %), as well as materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (2.0 %). In turn, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings (7.1 %), refuse collection (16.9 %), rentals for housing (7.4 %), services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (7.0 %), water supply (4.0 %) became more expensive.

The average level of health care prices grew by 5.6 %. Over the year, prices of dental services, pharmaceutical products, prices in medical specialist practice, services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centres went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport reduced by 3.6 %, which was affected by the fall in prices of fuels for transport by 8.3 %. Prices of diesel went down by 11.3 %, of petrol – by 7.1 %, while of auto gas – went up by 12.8 %. Over the year, drop in prices was registered for passenger transport by air and second-hand motor cars. In turn, increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, other services in respect of personal transport equipment.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 5.9 %, as prices of flowers, package holidays, newspapers and magazines, television subscription fee, recreation and sports services went up. Prices of personal computers fell.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, restaurant and café services, articles for personal hygiene and beauty products.

Over the month, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.2 %.

Compared to October 2024, in November 2024 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.2 %. Rise in prices within miscellaneous goods and services group (0.3 percentage points), furnishings (0.1 percentage point), health care (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to transport (0.1 percentage point) had the most significant impact on the monthly price changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 0.1 %. Price drop for fresh fruit (3.6 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level. Mainly due to the discounts prices of bread reduced by 0.9 %, of coffee by 1.5 %, of soft drinks by 4.9 %, of cheese and curd by 0.7 %, as well as of tea by 4.9 %. Prices of fresh or chilled fish (4.8 %) also went down. In turn, price rise was registered for fresh vegetables (3.8 %), butter (5.5 %), milk products (1.3 %), eggs (1.7 %). Due to the end of special offers, increase was recorded in prices of poultry (0.8 %).

Within the furnishings group prices rose by 1.7 %. Increase was recorded in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products, as well as household furniture, which was mainly affected by the end of sales.

The average level of health care prices grew by 0.8 %. During the month pharmaceutical products had the most significant impact on the price rise within the group. Prices of dental services also increased.

Prices of goods and services related to transport decreased by 0.8 %, which was mainly affected by the drop in prices of passenger transport by air. Prices of fuels for transport went down by 0.2 %. Prices of diesel reduced by 1.1 %, but of petrol went up by 0.8 %, and of auto gas – by 1.5 %. Drop in prices was registered for second-hand motor cars. In turn, prices of spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 5.8 %. Due to the end of sales, prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went up. Retirement home fee for elderly persons, as well as prices of non-electrical appliances for personal care also increased.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise in prices was registered for natural gas, wine, wireless telephone services, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling. In turn, prices of electricity, package holidays, beer, heat energy, footwear, hotel services went down.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2015, in November 2024 consumer prices were 46.4 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 45.5 % and prices of services by 47.0 %.

Information on consumer price changes in December 2024 will be published on 10 January 2025.

*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.

Media requests:
Public Relations Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

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