Price index of first-hand domestic sales, 15 September 2010

Electricity prices, which rose 7.2 per cent, made up the largest contribution to the increase in the price index of first-hand domestic sales (PIF) from August to September. Since the peak in February this year, electricity prices fell continuously, until the increase in September. The increase in the index for electricity was caused by the rise in the system price at Nord Pool, as well as higher prices of electricity sold to households (see Consumer Price Index for more information ).

Price increase in chemicals

Several other product groups contributed to the increase in PIF, including chemicals and related products, which rose by 1.1 per cent. Prices went up in most subgroups, but prices of inorganic chemicals and chemical fertilizers made up the largest contributions. The former group experienced a 4.7 per cent increase from August to September. While prices of chemicals dropped towards the end of 2009, the price development in recent months has been characterised by rising prises.

Food prices fell 0.1 per cent from August to September. This is due to lower prices of meat and meat preparations, while 1.9 per cent higher prices of fish and fishery products have curbed the overall decline in food prices. Prices of fish and fishery products have increased about 13 per cent since May this year.

Twelve months change: 5.4 per cent increase

PIF increased 5.4 per cent from September 2009 to September 2010. With the exception of machinery and transport equipment together with miscellaneous manufactured articles, all product groups experienced increasing prices in this twelve month period.

Prices in the domestic market were 9 per cent higher in September 2010 compared to September last year, which is a stronger increase compared to the imports market in the same period.