Published on: 14 January 2022

Prices increase by 7.4% in December and by 5.1% on average in 2021

Consumer prices were 7.4% higher on average in December 2021 than a year earlier. The highest price rises over the last 12 months were measured for motor fuels as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Consumer prices increased by 0.3% on average in one month and rose by 5.1% on average in 2021 compared to the previous year.

In 12 months, compared to December 2020:

A price increase of 8.0% was recorded for food, within which 26.8% for edible oil, 23.7% for flour, 22.8% for margarine, 15.2% for bread, 13.4% for poultry meat, 12.1% for milk, 11.6% for rolls, 9.9% for canteen meals and 9.6% for restaurant meals. Motor fuel prices became 25.9% and the price of household repair and maintenance goods 15.1% higher. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices rose by 8.9% on average, within which tobacco prices by 12.7%. Consumers paid 7.5% more for consumer durables, within which 15.3% more for kitchen and other furniture, 14.5% more for living and dining room furniture, 8.4% more for new passenger cars and 7.2% more for second-hand passenger cars. Services charges were up by 5.0%, within which the repair and maintenance of dwellings cost 14.5% and the repair and maintenance of vehicles 9.6% more for consumers.

In one month, compared to November 2021:

Consumer prices increased by 0.3% on average. Food became 1.4%, within which milk 7.8%, milk products 6.1%, pasta products 3.4%, bread 3.1%, sugar 2.9%, poultry meat 2.7%, cheese 2.4%, eggs 2.3%, buffet products 2.2% and flour 2.0% more expensive, while coffee 3.2% and chocolate and cocoa 1.6% cheaper. The price of firewood was up by 1.5% and butane and propane gas prices by 3.0%. Motor fuel prices were cut by 5.3%. Consumers paid 1.1% more for durable consumer goods, within which 2.1% more for second-hand passenger cars and 1.3% more for new passenger cars.

In 2021 compared to previous year:

Consumer prices increased by 5.1% on average, within which the highest price rise of 10.9% was measured for alcoholic beverages and tobacco. A price rise of 9.6% was recorded for other goods, 4.5% for consumer durables, 4.1% for food, 2.9% for services, 0.5% for electricity, gas and other fuels and 0.2% for clothing and footwear. Consumer prices went up by 4.6% on average among pensioner households.

Consumer price indices

(%)

Denomination December 2021 Year 2021
previous month = 100.0 corresponding month of previous year = 100.0 previous year = 100.0
Consumer price index100.3107.4105.1
Harmonised index of consumer prices100.3107.4105.2
Core inflation (original, seasonally unadjusted)a)100.8106.4103.9
Consumer price index for pensioners100.4106.7104.6

a) The Hungarian Central Statistical Office applies a new methodology for the computation of core inflation from April 2021, the indicator no more includes changes in the price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The time series were revised back to January 1995. Seasonally adjusted indices are available in Table 1.2.1.7 of Summary tables (STADAT).