Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 February 2001

The 12-month rate (February 2000 - February 2001) of the total index was 6.0 per cent.

Price Development from January to February

Most of the main groups showed an increase in this period. Prices of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials rose by 7.9 per cent. The main reasons for the increase was a 7.5 per cent increase in prices of petroleum and petroleum products. In addition prices of electrical current rose by 14.1 per cent. Products in the group manufactured goods classified by material showed a 0.7 per cent rise, mainly due to increased prices of cork and wood manufactures, and paper and paperboard.

The greatest downward pull came from a 0.7 percent decrease in prices of machinery and transport equipment. Furthermore prices of crude materials declined by 1.1 per cent.

The 12-month rate

The overall 12-month rate was 6.0 per cent in February. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials showed an 8.7 per cent rise. A 4.7 per cent increase in the prices of petroleum and petroleum products and a 21.6 per cent rise in the prices of electrical current were the dominant underlying factors. Prices of crude materials rose by 15.8 per cent. The main reason for this increase was a 34.4 per cent rise in metalliferous ores and metal scrap.

Changes in the 12-month rate

The 12-month rate went from 5.6 per cent to 6.0 per cent in February. The overall change was mainly due to increased food prices, combined with a fall the same time last year. Meat and meat preparations, and vegetables and fruits showed the largest growth in prices.