Transport and storage, price indices, Q2 2012

The indices for ocean transport and passenger air transport registered a considerable increase relative to the first quarter of 2012. Prices for ocean transport and passenger air transport increased by 6.4 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively, while freight transport by road increased marginally by 0.2 per cent.

Marginal change for freight transport by road

Prices for freight transport by road went marginally up by 0.2 per cent during the first quarter of 2012 relative to the preceding quarter. The sub index for frozen and refrigerated goods declined the most during the period while, mixed goods/container goods increased by 0.8 per cent. The index increased by 3.1 per cent in total compared to the same quarter in 2011.

Higher prices for ocean transport

The index for ocean transport was at 95.5 during the 2nd quarter of 2012, which is 6.4 per cent higher than the preceding quarter. The total index was 0.1 per cent higher compared to the same quarter in 2011.

Price movements in ocean transport must be seen in conjunction with exchange rate movements of the Norwegian kroner vis-à-vis the US dollar and Euro.

Continued increase in ticket prices

The total index for passenger air transport was 100.3 during the 2nd quarter of 2012. This was 2.7 per cent lower compared to the same quarter of 2011. During the same time frame, prices for business trips fell 2.1 per cent while leisure trips increased by 6.0 per cent.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the price for business trips and leisure trips increased by 3.8 per cent and 9.5 per cent respectively. The total index was 7.6 per cent higher during the same period.

Storage and warehousing and postal and courier services declining

The index for storage and warehousing was at 109.3 during the 2nd quarter of 2012; a decline of 1.2 per cent relative to the 1st quarter of 2012. The index was 5.5 per cent lower with respect to the same quarter last year.

The index for postal and courier services declined by 0.3 per cent during the 2nd quarter of 2012 relative to the 1st quarter of 2012. Compared to the same quarter in 2011, the index was 0.6 per cent lower.

Continued increase for cargo handling

The total index for cargo handling was up 0.8 per cent during the 2nd quarter of 2012 relative to the 1st quarter of 2012. Compared to the same quarter last year, the index was 2.8 per cent higher.