In February 2024 the Consumer Price Index decreased by 0.04 percent compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 0.3 percent. With regard to the annual core inflation1 , the prices increased by 2.6 percent, while the annual core inflation without tobacco2 amounted to 2.4 percent.
The monthly inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups: Clothing and footwear: the prices decreased by 4.6 percent, contributing -0.19 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Prices were lower for both footwear (-8.3 percent) and clothing (-3.3 percent); Transport: the prices for the group decreased by 1.0 percent, contributing -0.11 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within the group the prices decreased for the subgroups of operation of personal transport equipment (-1.7 percent) and purchase of vehicles (-0.5 percent).
At the same time, prices increased for transport services (0.9 percent); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: the prices increased by 1.9 percent, contributing 0.13 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within the group, the prices were higher mainly for alcoholic beverages (3.3 percent); Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: the prices for the group increased by 1.4 percent, contributing 0.08 percentage points to the overall index.
The prices increased for the following subgroups: glassware, tableware and household utensils (2.7 percent), furniture and furnishings, carpets and other floor coverings (2.1 percent), goods and services for routine household maintenance (1.5 percent). At the same time, prices decreased for household textiles (-1.7 percent); Health: the prices increased by 0.8 percent, contributing 0.08 percentage points to the overall index. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: medical products, appliances and equipment (1.2 percent), out-patient services (0.4 percent).
The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups: Transport: the prices for the group increased by 4.8 percent, contributing 0.61 percentage points to the overall index. Within the group the prices increased for operation of personal transport equipment (6.3 percent) and purchase of vehicles (5.4 percent); Miscellaneous goods and services: the prices for the group increased by 8.6 percent, contributing 0.46 percentage points to the overall index.
Within the group, the prices were higher mainly for the following subgroups: financial services n.e.c. (26.6 percent), personal effects n.e.c. (4.5 percent), personal care (2.7 percent); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: the prices increased by 5.5 percent, with the relevant contribution of 0.37 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate.
The prices increased for both alcoholic beverages (6.1 percent) and tobacco (5.0 percent); Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group decreased by 3.5 percent, contributing -1.2 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. Within the group the prices decreased for the following subgroups: oils and fats (-18.7 percent), vegetables (-14.2 percent), bread and cereals (-9.8 percent), milk, cheese and eggs (-5.0 percent).
At the same time, the prices increased for the following subgroups: fruit and grapes (21.0 percent), meat (4.5 percent), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (4.1 percent), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (2.0 percent), coffee, tea and cocoa (1.8 percent), fish (1.6 percent).
