Consumer price index, 15 April 2001

In April 2001 the CPI stood at 109.1 (1998=100), while in April 2000 it was 105.1.

Price increase from March to April 2001

The prices of petrol increased by 2.9 per cent last month after a slight decrease in March. The prices of passenger transport by air also contributed to increase the transport index, as airline fares went up 10.8 per cent in April due to a tax expansion on domestic flights.

There has been an upward trend in the tariffs on electricity since September 2000, and the tariffs jumped further up in April with 2.6 per cent. Rentals for housing went up 0.2 per cent while the costs for owner occupied-housing increased by 0.4 per cent last month.

The prices of food rose by 0.3 per cent from March to April. It was mainly caused by a seasonal increase in the prices of fresh vegetables.

There has also been an increase in the price of some products and services for recreation and culture, particularly leisure boats has increased since the last survey in April 2000.

Year-to-year change

From April 2000 to April 2001 the CPI increased by 3.8 per cent. Increased tariffs on electricity and higher rentals for housing are major contributors to the price growth. The electricity tariffs are 31.3 per cent higher than in April last year. Rentals for housing and costs for owner-occupied housing went up 3.9 and 4.4 per cent respectively.

Transport is another major contributor to the all-item index. The prices of passenger transport by road and air have had a sharp increase during the last 12 months. The passenger transport by air has increased the most by 20.0 per cent. The prices of maintenance of vehicles have influenced the year to year change as well.

Prices of energy goods, i.e. electricity and oil-related products, have by experience fluctuated considerably, and the CPI excluding electricity was 2.9 per cent higher than in April last year while the CPI excluding all energy goods, was 3.0 per cent.

The food prices have increased by 2.6 in April mainly caused by higher prices of meat, fish and fruit.

Higher prices of hairdressing and some appliances for personal care and higher prices of different services for social protection also contributed to the year to year change last month.

Lower prices of telephone products, audio-visual equipment, clothing and footwear have reduced the price increase.

The year-to-year growth increased from 3.7 per cent in March to 3.8 per cent in April. This was mainly due to the price developments of electricity and petrol. The price movement of clothing dampened the increase in the year to year change.