Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 November 2000

The index for food increased by 0.4 per cent from October to November. This was mainly due to increased prices of meat and meat preparations especially cattle and fruit and vegetables. The 12-month rate in this group increased from 1.0 per cent in October to 1.4 per cent in November.

Cheaper mineral fuels

Even though the average price of crude oil (Brent Blend) has increased by about 3 per cent from last month (according to the London Spot Markets), the index for the group mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials has decreased by 0.3 per cent. This is mainly due to lower prices of refined oil products. On the London Spot Markets the price of for instance unleaded gasoline has decreased by almost 10 per cent, while heavy fuel oil was about 8 per cent cheaper in November than in October. The 12-month change for this group went from 14.8 per cent in October, to 10.9 per cent in November.

The index for the group machinery and transport equipment rose by 0.2 per cent for the second consecutive month. In the other groups there were also minor changes.

No changes in prices of goods for consumption

The index of goods for consumption was unchanged from October to November, and there was also no change in the 12-month rate. For investment goods there was an increase of 0.1 per cent, the same as last month. The 12-month rate rose from 1.2 per cent in October to 1.4 per cent in November.