In July 2024, compared to July 2023, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.7%, according to the latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSP).
Compared to July 2023, in July 2024 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.6 percentage points), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.5 percentage points), goods and services related to transport (0.5 percentage points), health care (0.3 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to housing (2.2 percentage points).
Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 2.4%. Price rise of coffee (of 6.5%), olive oil (37.9%) and bakery products (5.6%) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Growth was recorded in prices of fruit and vegetable juices (12.9%), potatoes (14.5%), cheese and curd (3.1%), sweets (18.2%), chocolate (6.8%) and butter (8.7%). Prices also increased for preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (10.1%), poultry (2.2%), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.3%). In turn, prices of flours and other cereals (9.9%), sugar (14.6%), eggs (4.6%), milk products (2.5%) went down.
The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 7.2%. 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 (4.1%).
Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 11.3%. Over the year, the most significant fall in the prices was for electricity (31.2%) and heat energy (14.8%). Prices went down for solid fuels (8.3%) and natural gas (7.6%). In turn, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings (7.5%), rentals for housing (8.1%), refuse collection (13.1%), water supply (5.8%), services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (5.1%) became more expensive.
The average level of health care prices grew by 5.2%. 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 increased by 3.8%, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 6.0%. Prices of diesel went up by 8.6%, of petrol – by 3.8%, of auto gas – by 0.2%. Over the year, rise in the prices was for maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road and 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 telecommunication services, garments, restaurant and café services, articles for personal hygiene and beauty products, household cleaning and maintenance products, flowers. In turn, prices of personal computers fell.
Compared to June 2024, in July 2024 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.1%. Rise in prices within miscellaneous goods and services group (0.1 percentage point), goods and services related to transport (0.1 percentage point), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices of clothing and footwear (0.3 percentage points), food and non-alcoholic beverages (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 0.2%. Under the influence of seasonal factors fresh vegetables (9.4%) and fresh fruit (2.6%) had the most significant price drop within the group. Prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (0.9 %), milk (1.8%), vegetable oil (3.4%) fell due to the discounts. During the month decrease was recorded in prices of fresh or chilled fish (5.2%) and sugar (3.3%). In turn, due to the end of special offers, upturn was recorded in prices of cheese and curd (2.4%), milk products (3.0%), bread (1.4%), poultry (1.8%), ice cream (3.1%). Prices rose for pork (0.9%), as well as for potatoes (3.1%), which was affected by the continuous supply of new potato crop entering the market.
The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 0.8%. Upturn in prices of alcoholic beverages of 0.7% was mainly due to price rise for spirits. Prices of tobacco products increased on average by 0.9%.
Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 5.1%. Mainly affected by sales of summer season clothing and footwear, the average price level of garments dropped by 5.3% and of footwear by 5.3%.
Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 0.9%, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 1.3%. Prices of diesel rose by 1.9%, of petrol – by 0.5%, of auto gas – by 2.1%. Prices of passenger transport by air and passenger transport by road also went up.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 3.0%. Mainly affected by the end of sales campaigns, prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went up.
Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products, package holidays, rentals for housing, pharmaceutical products, electricity. In turn, prices of hotel services, household furniture reduced.
Compared to 2015, in July 2024 consumer prices were 46.2% higher. Prices of goods increased by 45.2% and prices of services by 46.9%.