RIGA, April 9 (LETA) - In March 2024, compared to March 2023, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.9 percent, according to the latest data from the Central Statistical Bureau.

Compared to February 2024, in March 2024 the average level of consumer prices increased by 1.2 percent. Rise in prices of clothing and footwear (0.4 percentage points), goods and services related to transport (0.2 percentage points), as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.2 percentage points) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 0.7 percent.

Mainly due to the end of special offers, prices of milk (8 percent), cheese and curd (4.1 percent), milk products (4.1 percent), yoghurt (2.5 percent) had the strongest influence on the average price level. Prices of fresh vegetables went up (3.1 percent). As the promotions ended, coffee (2.6 percent) as well as dried, salted or smoked meat (0.9 percent), vegetable oil (4.6 percent) became more expensive.

In turn, due to the discounts, prices fell for bakery products (1.6 percent), bread (0.9 percent), mainly wheat bread, fresh fruit (1.5 percent), pork (1.5 percent), chocolate (2.7 percent), poultry (1.2 percent), as well as eggs (2.3 percent). During the month decrease was recorded in prices of fresh or chilled fish (of 4.5 percent).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices went up by 1.8 percent, which was mainly influenced by the increase of excise duty as of March 1. Mainly due to the rise of prices on spirits and beer, prices of alcoholic beverages went up (2.7 percent).

In the group of clothing and footwear prices went up by 6.9 percent, which was mainly affected by the goods of the new spring season entering the market. Prices of garments on average increased by 6.1 percent, but of footwear by 9.2 percent.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 0.4 percent. During the month the most significant price drop within the group was registered for electricity (2 percent). Heat energy (0.5 percent) and solid fuels (1.4 percent) also became cheaper. In turn, increase was recorded in maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings (0.8 percent).

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 1.5 percent, which was mainly determined by the rise in prices of passenger transport by air. Prices of fuels for transport went up by 1.1 percent, of which prices of petrol by 2 percent, of diesel by 0.6 percent, and of auto gas by 0.6 percent. Upturn was also recorded in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 1.8 percent. During the month, prices increased for package holidays, flowers, as well as magazines.

Within the miscellaneous goods and services group prices increased by 2.6 percent. Mainly due to the end of sales campaigns, prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products went up. Prices increased on legal services and accountancy.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, pharmaceutical products, medical specialist practice.

Compared to March 2023, in March 2024 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of health care (0.4 percentage points), alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (0.3 percentage points), goods and services related to transport (0.3 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of goods and services related to housing (1.3 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 0.7 percent.

Price rise of coffee (of 5 percent), olive oil (31.6 percent) and pork (5.8 percent) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices increased for fruit and vegetable juices (14.1 percent), milk (2.2 percent), soft drinks (10.1 percent), salt and spices (9.3 percent). Upturn was recorded in prices of bakery products (3.9 percent), sweets (19 percent), jams and honey (5.4 percent). Rise was also registered in prices of potatoes (12.3 percent), fresh fruit (1.6 percent), dried, other preserved or processed vegetables (7.6 percent).

In turn, fall was registered in prices of fresh vegetables (5.6 percent), eggs (9.7 percent), flours and other cereals (10.2 percent), milk products (5 percent), vegetable oil (11.1 percent), poultry (2.5 percent), fresh and chilled fish (7.3 percent), sugar (6.6 percent), as well as butter (5 percent).

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco product prices rose by 4.7 percent. As prices of spirits, beer and wine went up, alcoholic beverages became more expensive (6 percent). Over the year average increase of 2.3 percent was observed in prices of tobacco products.

Average price level of goods and services related to housing fell by 6.9 percent. Over the year, the most significant drop in the prices was for heat energy (18.5 percent). Prices went down for electricity (5.9 percent), natural gas (19.2 percent), solid fuels (15.7 percent), sewage collection (5 percent). In turn, maintenance charges in multi-occupied buildings (8.3 percent), refuse collection (16.2 percent), rentals for housing (8.5 percent) became more expensive. Increase was recorded in services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, water supply.

The average level of health care prices grew by 6.5 percent. Over the year, prices of pharmaceutical products, dental services, prices in medical specialist practice and services of medical analysis laboratories and x-ray centers went up.

Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 2.1 percent, which was determined by the rise in prices of fuels for transport by 2.7 percent. Prices of diesel went up by 3.6 percent, of petrol - by 3.4 percent, while of auto gas - went down by 8.7 percent. Over the year, rise in the prices was for maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment and other services in respect of personal transport equipment. Prices of second-hand motor cars and passenger transport by air reduced.

Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture rose by 3.7 percent, as prices of television subscription fee, pet food, flowers, newspapers and magazines, package holidays and sporting services increased. In turn, fall was registered in prices of personal computers.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, restaurant and café services, garments, articles for personal hygiene and beauty products.