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

While the price index of first hand domestic sales increased in the previous month, the index decreased by 1.5 per cent from August to September. Prices of petroleum and petroleum products, which have fluctuated in recent months, were the most important contributions to both the increase in the previous month and the decrease this month. Although the prices fell by 7.3 per cent from August to September, the price index for petroleum and petroleum products is approximately the same as in July.

A12.1 per cent lower electricity price also made an important contribution to the overall decrease in product prices. The spot price of electricity has decreased continually since June.

Food prices declined one per cent from August to September. The main contributions to this decline were lower prices of fish and vegetables and fruit, with 3.2 and 5.8 lower prices respectively. Both of these product groups experienced a decline in prices last month as well, but this month’s decline is stronger.

Twelve month change: prices down 3.8 per cent

The price index of first-hand domestic sales fell 3.8 per cent from September 2008 to September 2009. This was also mainly due to lower prices of petroleum and petroleum products together with electricity. Within these product groups, prices fell 21.6 and 55 per cent respectively.