Consumer prices, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), in February were on average 2.8% higher compared to the same month last year, according to data from Monstat.
In February, consumer prices increased by an average of 0.4% compared to January.
“The largest impact on the monthly inflation rate came from rising prices in the categories of fuel and lubricants for motor vehicles, actual rents paid by tenants for primary residences, pharmaceutical products, milk, cheese, and eggs, mineral water, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, alcoholic beverages, restaurants, cafes, and similar services,” the statement said.
For the period from January to February, consumer prices were on average 2.8% higher compared to the same period last year. Looking at major groups of products and services by purpose of consumption, February saw price increases in the following categories compared to the previous month: health by 3.5%, transport by 1.6%, alcoholic beverages and tobacco by 0.8%, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels by 0.7%, recreation and culture by 0.6%, furniture, household equipment, and routine home maintenance by 0.5%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages and other goods and services by 0.2%.
Price decreases were recorded in the following categories: clothing and footwear by 1.7%, restaurants and hotels by 0.6%, and communications by 0.1%.
Prices for other goods and services did not change significantly.
