Cost index for road goods transport, Q3 2003

The index for capital costs fell by 3.0 per cent from August to September, due to a substantial decrease in real interest rates. Over the last 12 months the capital index has decreased by 10.7 per cent.

Decrease in diesel prices

The fuel index has decreased by 1.8 per cent in the last month. In the last 12 months, however, this index has increased by 0.3 per cent. The fuel index is based on actual diesel prices on the 15th of each month, collected from a representative selection of dealers across the country.

Increased tyre prices

The tyre index has increased by 0.4 per cent compared with last month. In the last 12 months this index has increased by 1.2 per cent.

The other sub-indices show little or no change during the last month.

Tables:

• Table 1 Total cost indices. January 1998=100