In May 2021 the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.7% compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 7.7%. With regard to the annual core inflation, the prices increased by 6.5%, while the annual core inflation without tobacco amounted to 6.4%.

The monthly inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:

Transport: the prices increased by 2.0%, contributing 0.26% to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within the group the prices increased for operation of personal transport equipment (2.8%);

Restaurants and hotels: the prices for the group posted a 1.4% increase, with the relevant contribution of 0.09% to the monthly inflation rate. Within the group the prices were higher for both accommodation services (2.5%) and catering services (1.3%);

Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: the prices increased by 1.7%, contributing 0.09% to the overall monthly inflation rate. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: furniture and furnishings, carpets and other floor coverings (3.4%), glassware, tableware and household utensils (3.2%), tools and equipment for house and garden (2.2%), goods and services for routine household maintenance (2.1%), household textiles (2.0%).

The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:

Transport: the prices increased by 17.4%, contributing 2.08% to the annual inflation rate. Within the group the prices increased for operation of personal transport equipment (26.7%) and transport services (1.6%). In the same period, prices decreased for purchase of vehicles (-3.2%);

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels: the prices for the group posted a 6.6%, which contributed 1.09% to the annual inflation rate. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: electricity, gas and other fuels (8.4%), water supply and miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling (4.5%), maintenance and repair of the dwelling (3.2%). In the same period prices were lower for actual rentals for housing (-9.4%);

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group increased by 3.3%, contributing 1.07% to the overall annual inflation rate.

Within the group the prices increased for the following subgroups: oils and fats (42.7%), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (13.7%), milk, cheese and eggs (8.0%), coffee, tea and cocoa (8.0%), fish (7.6%), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (7.2%), meat (6.0%), bread and cereals (5.8%). Along with this, the prices decreased for vegetables (-23.3%) and fruit and grapes (-20.9%);

Health: the prices went up by 13.4%, contributing 1.01% to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices increased for medical products, appliances and equipment (19.5%), out-patient services (11.9%) and hospital services (4.4%).