Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 February 2008

The price index of first-hand domestic sales rose by 1.0 per cent from January to February. A 1.5 per cent increase in food products was one of the main factors behind this development, but a rise in prices of crude materials, inedible, except fuels also had a strong effect on the total index. For crude materials, prices of metalliferous ores and scrap metal in particular had the strongest upward effect on the index.

Prices of non-ferrous metals increased by 6.8 per cent from January to February, mainly due to higher prices of aluminium products. Although these products are characterised by price fluctuations, this is a relatively strong growth. The increase led to a 1.5 per cent rise in prices of manufactured goods.

Falling prices of electricity

After four months of strong growth, the price of electricity began to fall in January. The fall in prices was a substantial 15.6 per cent from January to February. The decrease was mainly due to unusually high temperatures in February and good inflow to the reservoirs.

The 12-month rate: Price growth of 8.3 per cent

The price index of first-hand domestic sales rose by 8.3 per cent from February last year. The increase is due to higher prices in all groups except for crude material, machinery and transport equipment. Prices of mineral fuels, lubricants and electricity rose by a strong 35.1 per cent. Prices of manufactured goods also had a strong increase over the past twelve months (up 4.5 per cent), mainly due to a 14.2 per cent increase in prices of cork and wood manufactures, except furniture.