Compared to February 2022, the average level of consumer prices increased by 20.3% in February 2023.
Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 1.2%. The most significant price rise was registered for fresh vegetables (19.7%) and fresh fruit (5.1%). Due to the end of special offers, increase was recorded in prices of coffee (3.4%), yoghurt (2.6%), curd (2.7%), as well as crisps (8.9%). During the month, prices increased for fruit and vegetable juices (6.3%), eggs (4.2%), ice cream (5.5%), potatoes (2.4%). In turn, due to the discounts, prices of milk (10.4%), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.8%), milk products (2.2%), poultry (2.0%), butter (4.7%) fell.
The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 2.2%.
As prices of beer, spirits as well as cider went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (2.7%). Prices of tobacco products increased on average by 1.3%.
Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 0.1%. Over the month, the most significant price drop in the group was registered for solid fuels. Also rentals for housing, as well as heat energy became cheaper. In turn, materials for the maintenance and repairs of the dwelling and electricity became more expensive.
The average level of health care prices grew by 0.7%. Over the month, the most significant rise in the prices was for pharmaceutical products. Growth was registered in prices in medical specialist practice and dental services.
Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 0.3%, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of passenger transport by air. Prices of fuels for transport went up by 0.2%, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of petrol by 1.4%. Diesel became cheaper by 0.7%, but prices of auto gas didn’t change.
Goods and services related to recreation and culture became more expensive by 1.3%. During the month, prices increased for pet food, package holidays, flowers. In turn, fiction books became cheaper.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices decreased by 0.9%. Prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went down, which was mainly affected by the discounts.
Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of garments and catering services. In turn, prices of household cleaning and maintenance products went down.
Compared to February 2022, the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the goods and services related to housing (7.6 percentage points), food and non-alcoholic beverages (6.7 percentage points), goods and services related to transport (1.3 percentage points), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.8 percentage points), goods and services related to recreation and culture (0.8 percentage points) in February 2023.
Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 25.3%. Price rise for bread (39.4%), bakery products (24.5%), flours and other cereals (28.1%), pasta products (25.1%), rice (17.8%) and breakfast cereals (20.2%) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (20.8%), poultry (29.0%), pork (24.3%), meat preparations (20.8%), beef (28.1%) also went up, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
An upturn was recorded in prices of cheese and curd (24.4%), milk products (23.3%), eggs (39.9%), milk (20.9 %) and yoghurt (16.0%). Prices increased for fresh vegetables (24.6%), coffee (32.8%), fresh fruit (18.1%), sugar (79.6%), chocolate (22.9%), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (29.7%), ice cream (22.7%), vegetable oil (33.2%), fruit and vegetable juices (20.7%), sauces and condiments (38.9%), butter (17.4%), soft drinks (23.2%), frozen fish (36.7%).
Over the year, prices of dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (20.7%), sweets (20.6%), salt and spices (28.8%), dried fruit and nuts (23.5%), jams and honey (14.5%), tea (18.8%), ready-made meals (21.8%), margarine (27.8%), crisps (35.5%), olive oil (16.2%), fresh or chilled fish (12.4%) and dried, smoked or salted fish (20.3%) also went up.
The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 7.8%. As prices of beer, spirits and wine went up alcoholic beverages became more expensive (9.0%). Over the year average increase of 5.5% was observed in prices of tobacco products.
Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 46.6%. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy (66.4%), electricity (90.2%), solid fuels (70.4%) and natural gas (79.5%). Upturn was recorded in prices of water supply, sewage collection, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings, services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, as well as refuse collection. In turn, prices of rentals for housing reduced.
The average level of health care prices grew by 10.1%. Over the year, prices of pharmaceutical products, dental services and prices in medical specialist practice went up.
Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 9.7%, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 12.0%. Prices of diesel rose by 18.3%, of petrol – by 4.7%, but of auto gas – by 4.9%.
An upturn was recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, motor cars.
Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 11.5%. During the year, prices increased for pet food, recreational and sporting services, flowers, newspapers and magazines, package holidays, television subscription fee, stationery and drawing materials, as well as personal computers.
The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices went up by 18.2%. Increase was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 16.4%, of canteen services – by 19.0% and of fast food services – by 18.7%. Over the year, prices of hotel services also went up.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 17.2%, which was 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 prices of telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, garments, pre-primary education, footwear, household furniture.