In December 2023 the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.1% compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 0.4%. With regard to the annual core inflation, the prices increased by 2.0%, while the annual core inflation without tobacco amounted to 1.9%, reads the report of GeoStat.

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

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices for the group increased by 0.9%, contributing 0.29% to the overall monthly inflation rate. The prices increased for the following subgroups: vegetables (5.1%), fruit and grapes (3.3%), milk, cheese and eggs (1.5%), bread and cereals (0.6%), coffee, tea and cocoa (0.1%). At the same time, prices decreased for fish (-2.8%), oils and fats (-1.8%), meat (-0.2%);

Clothing and footwear: the prices decreased by 1.1%, contributing -0.04% to the overall monthly inflation rate. Prices were lower for footwear (-5.3%);

Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: the prices for the group decreased by 0.9%, contributing -0.04% to the overall monthly inflation rate.

The prices decreased for the following subgroups: furniture and furnishings, carpets and other floor coverings (-2.8%), goods and services for routine household maintenance (-2.2%), household appliances (-0.9%). At the same time, prices increased for household textiles (3.0%) and glassware, tableware and household utensils (2.7%).

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

Transport: the prices for the group increased by 5.1%, contributing 0.65% to the overall index. Within the group the prices increased for transport services (7.8%), purchase of vehicles (6.0%) and operation of personal transport equipment (3.7%);

Miscellaneous goods and services: the prices for the group increased by 10.1%, contributing 0.53% to the overall index. Within the group, the prices were higher mainly for the following subgroups: financial services n.e.c. (26.3%), personal effects n.e.c. (6.1%), personal care (5.7%);

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices for the group decreased by 2.7%, contributing -0.92% to the overall annual inflation rate.

The prices decreased for the following subgroups: oils and fats (-19.2%), vegetables (-9.8%), bread and cereals (-8.0%), milk, cheese and eggs (-3.3%), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (-3.1%). At the same time, the prices increased for the following subgroups: fruit and grapes (17.3%), meat (5.6%), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (3.3%);

Health: the prices for the group decreased by 3.8%, with the relevant contribution of -0.37% to the annual inflation rate. Within the group, the prices were lower for medical products, appliances and equipment (-8.9%). At the same time, prices increased for outpatient services (5.8%) and hospital services (5.6%).