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

The price index of first-hand domestic sales rose by 1.2 per cent from August to September. The prices of mineral fuels, lubricants and related material went up 9.4 per cent. The main reason for this development was a steep increase in prices of electricity at49.2 per cent after a long period with decreasing prices. Petroleum products showed a price rise as well at 3.3 per cent.

Prices of food products went down 0.5 per cent this month. This was mainly due to lower prices in all groupings within food, except fruit, vegetables and sugar on the import marked. The price fall can mainly be explained by lower prices on seasonal food products such as mutton and other agricultural products.

Crude materials went down 4.5 per cent, caused by lower prices on paper and metalliferous ores and metal scrap. Prices of machinery and transport equipment showed a price growth, due to higher prices of cars.

The 12-month rate: Down 0.6 per cent

The prices of index of first-hand domestic sales went down 0.6 per cent. The decrease was mainly due to lower prices of electricity which fell 53.4 per cent. Petroleum products on the other hand, showed an increase of 6.7 per cent since last year. Crude materials went up 11.5 per cent, due to higher prices of lumber and wood. Lower prices of clothing were the main reason for the fall in manufactured articles