Prices increased by 2.2% in May
Consumer prices were 2.2% higher on average in May 2020 than a year earlier. Significant price increases were measured over the past year for food as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The deceleration of inflation was mostly due to a more moderate rise in services prices than in the same month last year.
In 12 months, compared to May 2019:1
Food prices went up by 8.4%, within which the price of other meat preparations became 22.0%, pork prices 20.7%, the price of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits) 19.1%, that of sugar 15.0% and salami, sausages and ham prices 12.6% higher. The price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose by 6.7% on average, within which tobacco prices by 11.1%. Consumers paid 2.6% more for services, within which the price of repairs and maintenance of dwellings increased by 11.7% and the price of repairs and maintenance of vehicles by 9.3%. Motor fuel prices were cut by 22.0%.
In one month, compared to April 2020:
Consumer prices were up by 0.4% on average. Food prices increased by 0.7%, which was dominantly due to the 5.1% price rise of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits). Food prices excluding this group were unchanged on average. The price of margarine went up by 1.9%, that of rice and other cereals by 1.8% and sugar prices by 1.7%, while eggs prices were reduced by 3.3%. Consumer durables became 0.7%, within which new passenger cars 1.9% more expensive. Consumers paid 0.1% more for services and 0.3% less for clothing and footwear. As an impact of rising oil prices, motor fuels became 3.9% more expensive.
In January–May 2020 compared to the same period of the previous year:
Consumer prices increased by 3.5% on average.
Consumer price indices, May 2020
(%)
| Denomination | Previous month = 100.0 | Corresponding month of previous year = 100.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer price index | 100.4 | 102.2 |
| Harmonised consumer price index | 100.4 | 102.2 |
| Core inflation (original, seasonally unadjusted)a) | 100.1 | 104.0 |
| Consumer price index for pensioners | 100.5 | 103.2 |
a) Seasonally adjusted indices are available in Summary tables (STADAT), in Table 3.6.6.