Compared with November 2021, the average level of consumer prices in Latvia grew by a total of 21.8 % in November 2022, according to the latest data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
Compared with November 2021, the average level of consumer prices remained largely influenced by products and services related to housing (7.5 percentage points), food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.5 percentage points), products and services related to transport services (2.5 percentage points), miscellaneous products and services (0.9 percentage points), as well as catering and accommodation services (0.7 percentage points) in November 2022 .
Over the course of 2022, prices in the food and non-alcoholic beverages group increased by 29.5 %.
The increase of prices of bread (39.3 %), bakery products (28.3 %), flours and other cereals (53.6 %), pasta products (31.9 %), rice (35.2 %) and breakfast cereals (20.9 %) had the strongest upward effect on the average price level in the group. An upturn was recorded for prices of cheese and curd (37.2 %), milk products (37.6 %), milk (43.2 %), butter (37.2 %), eggs (20.2 %), yoghurt (19.2 %). Prices of dried, salted or smoked meat (23.9 %), poultry (40.6 %), pork (22.0 %), meat products (23.6 %) and beef (36.5 %) also went up. During the course of the year, prices increased for coffee (33.0 %), fresh vegetables (22.7 %), fresh fruit (20.0 %), sugar (82.6 %), preserved or processed fish and ready seafood products (30.6 %), ice cream (22.2 %), chocolate (19.7 %), vegetable oil (34.4 %), sauces and condiments (45.1 %), fruit and vegetable juices (17.1 %). Rise was observed in prices of jams and honey (23.1 %), sweets (27.9 %), frozen fish (37.4 %), soft drinks (20.7 %), salt and spices (35.7 %), fresh or chilled fish (20.8 %), dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (20.6 %), ready-made meals (28.4 %), dried fruit and nuts (20.2 %), margarine (31.9 %), crisps (35.6 %), olive oil (17.0 %), dried, smoked or salted fish (19.8 %), tea (14.8 %).
The average level of prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products grew by 6.2 %. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (7.1 %) in general. This year there was an average increase of 4.7 % for prices of tobacco products.
The average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 44.4 %.
Over the year, the most significant growth was for heating, 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 housing repairs as well as maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings. In turn, the price of rentals for housing went down.
Within the furnishings group, prices rose on average by 12.3 %, which was 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 9.1 %. Over the course of the year, prices of dental services, pharmaceutical products, prices in medical specialist practice, prices of glasses and contact lenses, services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centres went up.
Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by a total of 18.2 %, which came from the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 28.4 %.
Prices of diesel fuel increased by 38.7 %, the price of petrol – by 17.5 %, and that of auto gas went up by 7.5 %. A surge was recorded for prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, second-hand motor cars, passenger transport by road, new motor cars as well as passenger transport by air.
Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 8.8 %. During the year, prices increased for pet food, recreational and sporting services, stationery and drawing materials, package holidays, television subscription fee, flowers as well as newspapers and magazines.
The average level of restaurant and hotel service prices went up by 19.2 %. Increase was observed in prices of catering services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 17.4 %, of canteen services – by 19.0 % and of fast food services – by 19.3 %. Over the year, prices of hotel services also went up.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group, prices increased by 18.0 %, which was most significantly affected by the rise in prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products. Motor vehicle insurance, retirement home fee for elderly persons, hairdressing and personal grooming establishment services, financial services were more expensive as well.
Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of garments, telecommunication services and footwear.
Compared with October 2022, the average level of consumer prices increased by 1.1 % in November 2022.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.4 percentage points), goods and services related to housing (0.2 percentage points), miscellaneous goods and services group (0.2 percentage points), and furnishings (0.1 percentage point) contributed the most to the price level increase.
Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 1.5 %. The most significant price rise was registered for bread (3.0 %) and bakery products (3.7 %). Increase was also registered in prices of fresh vegetables (3.3 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (2.5 %). Prices of milk products went up (3.0 %), which was mainly affected by the end of promotions on sour cream. Upturn was recorded in prices of milk (2.9 %), eggs (4.1 %), sugar (4.8 %), fresh or chilled fish (7.9 %), sauces and condiments (7.1 %), yoghurt (2.5 %), preserved or processed fish and seafood-based preparations (2.8 %). As the promotions ended, prices of cheese and curd (0.7 %) and butter (2.4 %) increased. Prices rose for coffee (0.8 %), meat preparations (1.7 %), dried, smoked or salted fish (7.3 %).
The most significant decrease was for pork (1.7 %) and poultry (1.2 %). Price drop for vegetable oil (4.0 %), fruit and vegetable juices (3.1 %), potatoes (3.3 %) was caused by discounts.
Average level of prices of goods and services related to housing rose by 1.1 %. During the month the most significant price rise in the group was registered for heat energy. Prices of electricity, water supply and sewage collection also went up. In turn, rentals for housing became cheaper.
Within the furnishings group prices rose on average by 2.5 %. Due to the end of sales, increase was recorded in prices of household cleaning and maintenance products. Prices went up for household furniture and dishes.
The average level of health care prices grew by 0.9 %. Growth was registered in prices in medical specialist practice, pharmaceutical products and dental services.
Within the communications group prices rose on average by 2.4 %. Wireless telephone services and internet access services became more expensive.
Goods and services related to recreation and culture became more expensive by 0.8 %. During the month, prices increased for pet food and flowers. In turn, prices of package holidays went down.
Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 3.2 %. 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 diesel (1.2 %), restaurant and café services, beer, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, fast food services. In turn, prices of petrol (0.9 %), footwear, hotel services and spirits reduced.
Compared with 2015, in November 2022 consumer prices were 41.8 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 44.9 % and prices of services by 31.2 %.