Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 October 2005

Prices of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials increased 0.6 per cent from September to October 2005. In this grouping petroleum prices decreased, while electricity prices jumped 5.4 per cent. Prices of crude materials decreased by 0.5 per cent -in particular lumber and wood contributed to this drop in prices. Food prices increased by 0.5 per cent from September to October. In this grouping the price of meat products and fish contributed with increases of 0.4 and 0.7 per cent respectively.

Prices of manufactured goods increased 0.7 per cent from September to October. The rise in the aluminum prices contributed to this. According to the London Metal Exchange index the price increased by 6.4 per cent. Prices on office machines and telecommunication equipment decreased the last month, contributing to the fall in prices in the machinery grouping.

The price decrease in the domestic market amounted to 0.3 per cent, mainly due to a decrease in prices of crude materials and mineral fuels, lubricants and related material.

The 12-month rate, October 2004 to October 2005: up 2.6 per cent

The overall 12-month rate shows a rise in prices of 2.6 per cent. This rise was influenced by a price increase of 17.9 per cent for petroleum and petroleum products. In addition, food prices have risen by 1.3 per cent since last October. Fish, crustacean and prices of similar products have declined by 0.7 per cent, while meat prices have increased. Crude materials dropped 0.7 per cent. Manufactured goods increased 0.3 per cent. In this grouping some prices jump while other fall. Prices on machinery and transport equipment decreased 1.5 per cent over the year, because of the falling prices of office machines and telecommunication equipment.