Consumer price index, 15 October 2000

In October the CPI was 106.3 (1998=100). In October 1999 it was 103.1.

Price change from September to October

Housing expenses increased slightly by 0.2 per cent in October. The tariffs on electricity rose by 4.4 per cent. This increase is lower than the increase in October last year. The prices of paraffin and heating oil also increased. Rentals for housing decreased by 0.2 per cent.

The prices of petrol have fluctuated strongly during the last months. After a strong increase in September the prices of petrol went down 2.9 per cent in October.

The prices of clothing and footwear increased by 2.1 per cent. The prices of clothing went up the most by 2.3 per cent. New autumn and winter products caused the price increase.

Food prices went down 0.7 per cent mainly due to lower prices of fresh vegetables, fruit and fresh meat. Particularly the prices of cabbage, pork and lamb meat declined. The prices of coffee and tea decreased by more than 3 per cent.

The prices of audio-visual equipment, IT-equipment and kitchen equipment declined due to sales last month.

Year-to-year change

Over the last 12 months the CPI has increased by 3.1 per cent. Housing expenses have risen by 4.5 per cent mainly due to higher rentals. Higher prices of paraffin, heating oil and services for housing maintenance have also contributed to the year-to-year growth.

The transport sector has been an important contributor to the growth rate, mainly because of increased prices of fuel. The prices of petrol have risen 12.1 per cent from October last year. The prices of airline tickets have increased by nearly 19 per cent while the prices of passenger transport by road have risen by slightly more than 9 per cent mainly due to the deregulation of the taxi market.

The prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco have increased by 7.2 per cent the last year. 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.

The prices of catering and accommodation services have gone in different directions over the last year. The prices of catering services have increased by 4.4 per cent while the falling prices of accommodation services have moderated the price growth.

Decreasing prices of clothing, audio-visual equipment and telephone services and equipment have dampened the price increase.

The year-to-year growth declined from 3.5 per cent in September to 3.1 per cent in October. This was mainly due to the price development of energy products, food and the changes in rentals for housing. From January 2000 the rentals indicators in the CPI were published monthly, while previous published quarterly.