Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 April 2007

Prices of lumber and wood increased by 3.9 per cent last month. The development was due to higher demand for wood in Europe. At the same time there was a lack of professionals to produce building goods, and this contributed to an increase in prices of manufactured lumber. Prices of metalliferous ores and metal scrap also increased, primarily due to higher prices of nickel.

Prices of energy goods and coal rose by 6.6 and 10.8 per cent, respectively, while prices of electricity fell by 5.9 per cent. Prices of food showed a slight decrease of 0.5 per cent. A drop in prices of all food products except meat, contributed to the price fall. Chemical products showed a price increase of 1.1 per cent, caused by growth in organic chemical products.

The prices on the domestic market increased by 1.1 per cent, primarily due to higher prices of wood, energy good and manufactured lumber.

The twelve-month rate: Up 0.4 per cent

Energy goods contributed to the fall in the twelve-month rate. Prices of electricity and mineral products went down by 48 and per cent respectively. Prices of food rose by 3.3 per cent, caused by higher prices of fish, cereals and feeding stuff for animals. Iron and steal contributed to a price growth in manufactured goods.