Consumer price index 1.4% up in January in Hungary

2010-03-02

Consumer price index in Hungary amounted to 1.4% in January 2010 month on month, while the year-on-year increase was 6.4%, according to data released by Hungary’s Central Statistical Office (KSH).
Prices of foodstuffs increased by 2.2% in January, month on month, fuelled by a steep 13.7% rise in the price of seasonal products, like potatoes and fresh fruit, as well as by the 10.9% increase in the price of cooking oil. Price of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes were up by a higher-than-average 2.6%.
Prices of durable consumer goods increased by 0.4%, while prices of clothing products declined by 3.9% month on month in January.
From a year-on-year perspective, the price of foodstuffs was 2.9% higher in January 2010, a lower-than-average rate of increase. The rise was chiefly attributed to a 12.9% increase in the price of coffee, a 9.9% increase in the price of chocolate and a 6.9% increase in the price of cold cuts and sausages. In turn, the price of cooking oil fell by 14.2%, while that of flour fell 6.4%. The price of milk was down 5.7% year on year in January.
In a twelve-month comparison, the price of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes rose by 11.9% in January, which was also higher than average.