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Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 21.5 %

The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in August 2022, compared to August 2021, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 21.5 %.

Compared to August 2021, in August 2022 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of goods and services related to housing, food and non-alcoholic beverages, goods and services related to transport, within the miscellaneous goods and services group, restaurant and hotel services, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, goods and services related to recreation and culture, health care.

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 25.7 %. Price rise for bread (30.4 %), bakery products (26.0 %), flours and other cereals (70.6 %), pasta products (39.5 %) and rice (41.4 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of cheese and curd (37.1 %), milk products (39.2 %), milk (40.1 %) and yoghurt (27.4 %) went up. Increase was observed in prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (17.8 %), poultry (25.8 %), meat preparations (20.4 %), pork (6.0 %) and beef (28.5 %). Over the year upturn was registered in prices of coffee (34.0 %), fresh vegetables (17.2 %), ice cream (32.6 %), butter (40.7 %), sugar (58.3 %), fresh fruit (10.6 %), vegetable oil (47.3 %). Prices of chocolate (18.8 %), eggs (16.8 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (19.8 %), fresh or chilled fish (28.6 %), jams and honey (20.8 %), sauces and condiments (30.5 %), sweets (26.4 %), potatoes (11.3 %), fruit and vegetable juices (10.0 %), salt and spices (30.1 %), crisps (42.1 %), soft drinks (14.6 %), ready-made meals (24.3 %), margarine (33.6 %), frozen fish (23.9 %), dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (14.8 %), olive oil (17.0 %), dried, smoked or salted fish (20.3 %) went up.

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 6.6 %. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up alcoholic beverages became more expensive (7.7 %). Over the year average increase of 4.8 % was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 52.4 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for electricity, heat energy, solid fuels and natural gas. Upturn was recorded in prices of refuse collection, liquefied gas in cylinders, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, water supply, sewage collection, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings, as well as in rentals for housing.

The average level of health care prices grew by 7.7 %. Over the year, prices of dental services, pharmaceutical products, prices in medical specialist practice, as well as services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centres went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 23.4 %, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 40.4 %. Prices of diesel rose by 44.5 %, of petrol – by 36.5 %, but of auto gas – by 25.9 %. Upturn was recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, second-hand motor cars, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road and passenger transport by air.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose on average by 7.3 %, which was mainly influenced by the increase in prices of pet food, package holidays, recreation and sports services, flowers, cultural services, as well as stationery and drawing materials.

The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices went up by 15.6 %. Increase over the year was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 14.9 %, of canteen services – by 14.1 % and of fast food services – by 16.5 %. Prices of hotel services also went up.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 12.8 %, which was affected by the rise in prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products. Motor vehicle insurance, hairdressing and personal grooming establishment services and financial services were more expensive as well.

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

Over the month, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.4 %

Compared to July 2022, in August 2022 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.4 %. The greatest pressure on the price changes was put by the rise in prices of goods and services related to housing, food and non-alcoholic beverages, health care, goods and services related to recreation and culture, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, restaurant and hotel services, as well as by the fall in prices of goods and services related to transport.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 0.9 %. The most significant rise in the prices was for cheese and curd (4.2 %), bakery products (3.3 %), as well as fresh fruit (3.9 %). Prices rose for sugar (14.8 %), milk (3.8 %), flours and other cereals (4.3 %), ice cream (4.6 %). As the promotions ended, bread (0.8 %), crisps (11.7), sweets (5.8 %), pasta products (3.6 %), jams and honey (3.2 %), as well as cereals (4.9 %) became more expensive. Upturn was also registered in prices of rice (3.9 %) and poultry (0.6 %). Under the influence of seasonal factors fresh vegetables (8.2 %) and potatoes (6.8 %) had the most significant price drop within the group. Prices of dried, salted or smoked meat reduced by 0.7 %, which was mainly affected by the special offers.

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 0.7 %. As prices of spirits and wine went up, prices of alcoholic beverages over the month went up by 1.1 %. In turn, due to the discounts, prices of beer fell. 

Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 3.0 %. During the month the most significant price rise in the group was registered for electricity. Prices rose for heat energy, solid fuels, as well as materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling. As amendments to “Law on measures to reduce the extraordinary rise in energy prices” entered into force, during the month natural gas dropped on average by 19.6 %.

Within the health care group prices rose by 0.9 %. Growth was registered in prices of pharmaceutical products and dental services.

Prices of goods and services related to transport decreased by 3.8 %, which was mainly affected by the fall in prices of fuels for transport by 6.8 %. Prices of diesel dropped by 7.8 %, of petrol – by 6.0 %, but of auto gas – prices didn’t change. Prices of passenger transport by air went down. During the month, passenger transport by road became more expensive.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 0.8 %. Prices of fiction books, recreation and sports services, as well as package holidays increased.

The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices went up by 1.3 %. Increase was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 2.0 % and of canteen services – by 1.0 %.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of garments, household furniture, but drop was observed in prices of footwear, household cleaning and maintenance products and non-electric kitchen utensils and articles.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Groups

Price changes in August 2022, compared to:

August
2021

December
2021

July
2022

Total

21.5

17.2

0.4

food

25.7

20.7

0.9

alcohol, tobacco

6.6

6.0

0.7

clothing, footwear

1.7

2.4

-0.9

housing

52.4

39.5

3.0

furnishings

10.1

8.5

-1.0

health

7.7

6.6

0.9

transport

23.4

17.2

-3.8

communication

1.7

1.2

-0.2

recreation, culture

7.3

5.2

0.8

education

-0.1

-3.8

0.1

restaurants, hotels

15.6

15.3

1.3

miscellaneous

12.8

11.9

0.3

Compared to 2015, in August 2022 consumer prices were 37.0 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 39.5 % and prices of services by 28.1 %.

Information on consumer price changes in September 2022 will be published on 10 October.

*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:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366989, +371 27880666

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

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