Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 November 2003

Prices of food increased by 0.4 per cent. This increase was mainly caused by higher prices of meat, fish and cereals. Prices of vegetables and fruit counteracted this group's increase by a 2.5 per cent decrease, caused by lower prices of imported vegetables and fruit. Prices of crude materials increased by 0.7 per cent, all groups showed an increase. Chemical products showed an increase of 0.3 per cent. Prices of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials decreased by 0.1 per cent. Electricity prices rose by 1.9 per cent, while petroleum and petroleum products decreased by 1.2 per cent.

Prices in the overall domestic market showed an increase of 0.3 per cent. The main reason was increase in prices of food, crude materials and chemicals products.

The 12-month rate, November 2002 to November 2003: 6.3 per cent increase

The overall 12-month rate was 6.3 per cent. This development was mainly due to higher prices of mineral fuels, lubricants and related material where prices rose 14.2 per cent. In this group, the price of electric current rose by 16.8 per cent.

Prices of food went up by 1.5 per cent compared with November 2002. This increase was caused by higher prices within all groups except fodder stuff for animals. Machinery and transport equipment increased by 1.3 per cent. In this group the largest increase occurred in prices of road vehicles.

One decimal from January 2004

Starting with the publishing of January figures all indices will be produced with one decimal. Two decimals have a tendency to give an exaggerated impression of the accuracy of the estimates. In addition we want to harmonize the indices with common practice - where one decimal is used.