The latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that in December 2022, compared to December 2021, the average level of consumer prices* increased by 20.8%.
Compared to December 2021, the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.4 percentage points), goods and services related to housing (7.3 percentage points), goods and services related to transport (1.7 percentage points), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.9 percentage points), restaurant and hotel services (0.7 percentage points), goods and services related to recreation and culture (0.7 percentage points) in December 2022.
Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 29.0%. Price rise for bread (38.9%), bakery products (26.4%), flours and other cereals (43.9%), pasta products (30.8%), rice (35.4%) and breakfast cereals (27.6%) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Upturn was recorded in prices of cheese and curd (34.9%), milk products (33.5%), milk (37.1%), eggs (27.0%), yoghurt (19.1%).
Prices also went up for dried, salted or smoked meat (23.2%), poultry (36.5%), pork (26.2%), meat preparations (25.4%) and beef (31.9%). During the year, prices increased for coffee (34.1%), fresh fruit (27.8%), fresh vegetables (17.6%), sugar (81.8%), butter (31.0%), vegetable oil (43.1%), chocolate (22.0%), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (28.9%), ice cream (18.7%), sauces and condiments (43.7%), fruit and vegetable juices (15.9%).
Rise was observed in prices of soft drinks (25.2%), salt and spices (38.5%), frozen fish (33.7%), jams and honey (16.6%), dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (22.4%), sweets (22.2%), potatoes (12.1%), margarine (35.9%), ready-made meals (26.1%), olive oil (21.4%), dried fruit and nuts (20.8%), fresh or chilled fish (16.4%), tea (18.7%), crisps (37.3%), dried, smoked or salted fish (22.9%).
The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 6.0%. As prices of beer, spirits and wine went up alcoholic beverages became more expensive (6.7%). Over the year average increase of 4.9% was observed in prices of tobacco products.
Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 42.8%.
Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy, solid fuels, natural gas and electricity. Upturn was recorded in prices of water supply, sewage collection, refuse collection, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling as well as maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings. In turn, price of rentals for housing reduced.
Within the furnishings group prices rose on average by 12.7%, mainly due to the more expensive household cleaning and maintenance products, household furniture, major household appliances, non-electric kitchen utensils and articles as well as dishes.
The average level of health care prices grew by 9.7%. Over the year, prices of pharmaceutical products, dental services, prices in medical specialist practice, services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centres, glasses and contact lenses went up.
Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 12.6%, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 17.9%. Prices of diesel rose by 26.2%, of petrol – by 9.0%, but of auto gas – by 5.3%. Upturn was recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, passenger transport by air, second-hand motor cars, passenger transport by road as well as new motor cars.
Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 9.4%. During the year, prices increased for pet food, recreational and sporting services, cultural services, flowers, stationery and drawing materials, newspapers and magazines, as well as package holidays.
The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices went up by 19.1%. Increase was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 17.7%, of canteen services – by 19.2% and of fast food services – by 21.0%. Over the year, prices of hotel services also went up.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 17.5%, which was most significantly affected by the rise in prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products. Motor vehicle insurance, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services, retirement home fee for elderly persons, financial services were more expensive as well.
Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in telecommunication services, prices of garments, footwear and pre-primary education.
Compared to November 2022, in December 2022 the average level of consumer prices reduced by 0.5%. Goods and services related to transport (0.8 percentage points), clothing and footwear (0.1 percentage point), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.1 percentage point) had the strongest influence on the price level drop.
Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 1.0%. The most significant price rise was registered for bread (3.7%), which was mainly affected by the end of promotions on rye bread. Rise in prices was also registered for fresh fruit (4.5%). Due to the end of special offers, increase was recorded in prices of cheese and curd (2.0%), fruit and vegetable juices (5.5%), vegetable oil (4.0%), soft drinks (5.0%), pasta products (3.2%), as well as coffee (0.7%). Over the month, average price level of eggs (3.2%), breakfast cereals (8.9%), as well as pork (1.0%) went up. Decline was registered in prices of fresh vegetables (2.2 %), but prices of milk (1.8%), poultry (1.1%), bakery products (0.8%), ice cream (2.4%) fell due to the discounts.
Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 2.2%. The average level of prices of garments dropped by 2.0% and prices of footwear by 3.3%, which was mainly affected by the sales.
Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 0.5%. During the month the most significant price rise in the group was registered for electricity. Prices of heat energy, water supply and sewage collection also went up. In turn, solid fuels became cheaper.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices decreased by 1.8%. Prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went down, which was mainly affected by the discounts. In turn, upturns were recorded in prices of motor vehicle insurance, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services, as well as financial services.
In other commodity groups, the most significant fall in prices was for spirits, household cleaning and maintenance products, non-electric kitchen utensils and articles. In turn, prices rose for wireless telephone services, beer, restaurant and café services, dental services, internet access services.
*Annual inflation reflects consumer price changes by comparing average price levels of reviewed months with the average price level of corresponding months of the previous year.
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