Consumer price index, 15 September 2000

The year-to-year growth in September was 3.5 per cent and remained unchanged from August. In September the CPI was 106.2 (1998=100). In September 1999 it was 102.6.

Price change from August to September

The tariffs on electricity increased by 2.7 per cent last month. The increase is lower than the increase in September last year. After a strong decrease in prices of petrol from July to August, the prices of petrol went up again by about 4.4 per cent in September. Prices of other energy products like paraffin and heating oil also increased.

The prices of clothing and footwear increased strongly after the summer sales by 5.1 per cent from August to September. The prices of clothing increased the most, by 5.5 per cent. Prices of footwear went up 2.5 per cent. The increase is nevertheless lower than the increase in September last year.

The prices for recreation and culture went up 0.3 per cent. Theatre and cinema tickets have become more expensive since the last survey in September last year.

Educational expenditures rose by 4.7 per cent. The increase is somewhat lower than last year.

Year-to-year change

The last 12 months the CPI has increased by 3.5 per cent. Increasing tariffs on electricity and rentals for housing have been major contributors to the year-to-year growth. The tariffs on electricity have risen by 5 per cent and rentals for housing have risen by 4 per cent. The prices of other energy products like paraffin and heating oil have had a sharp increase with roughly 40 per cent since September last year.

Another contributor to the growth rate is the transport sector. The prices of petrol have increased by 15.7 per cent since September last year. The increase is mainly due to increased prices of crude oil. There has been a strong price increase in some services within the transport sector as well. The prices of airline tickets have risen by approximately 16 per cent, and the prices of passenger transport by road have increased by 9.5 per cent mainly due to the deregulation of the taxi market.

The prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco have increased by 7.4 per cent. This rise is mainly caused by commodity taxes. The taxes on tobacco have increased more than the taxes on alcohol, which is reflected in the price increases.

Decreasing prices of clothing, audio-visual equipment and telephone services have moderated the overall price increase in the last 12 months.