Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 April 2009

The price index of first-hand domestic sales increased by 0.1 per cent from March to April. As in March, it was the price increase for petroleum and petroleum products that was the main cause of the overall price growth, this time with a 4.3 per cent increase.

The rise in prices of chemicals and related products also persisted from March to April. Higher prices of organic chemicals together with medicinal and pharmaceutical products contributed the most to this rise.

Food prices one per cent down

Food and live animals was one of the product groups that reduced the increase in the overall index from March to April. In particular, 3.2 per cent lower prices of fish and fish products in April compared to March contributed to the decrease of the overall index for food and live animals. Fruit and vegetable prices also decreased by 3.5 per cent.

Prices of machinery and transport equipment together with manufactured goods decreased by 0.2 and 0.3 per cent respectively. The decrease for manufactured goods was caused by the strong price drop of iron and steel which fell 6.1 per cent. Products of iron and steel are characterised by a continuous decline in prices since October last year. However, the price drop from March to April is the largest in this period.

Twelve month change: 0.3 per cent reduced prices

The price index of first-hand domestic sales fell by 0.3 per cent from April last year to April this year. A strong price decline in the two product groups mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials together with crude materials excluding fuels had the largest impact on this decrease. The prices of these two product groups fell 17.8 and 15.9 per cent respectively. Several product groups moderated the decline in the overall index, including food and live animals with a 6.2 per cent increase.