September Inflation Hits 3.34 Percent

The Consumer Price Index increased by 28.15 percent compared with December of the previous year and by 35.02 percent compared with the same month of the previous year.

The three products with the largest price increases in September were red cabbage, up 89.85 percent, tomatoes, up 73.58 percent, and parsley, up 64.26 percent.

The largest price decreases were recorded in cucumbers, down 36.81 percent, National Lottery tickets, down 33.33 percent, and fresh beans, down 23.22 percent.

Among the main expenditure groups, the highest monthly increase was recorded in education, at 12.52 percent.

This was followed by increases of 5.66 percent in transport, 2.66 percent in food and non-alcoholic beverages, 2.62 percent in miscellaneous goods and services, 2.05 percent in health, 1.94 percent in clothing and footwear, and 1.23 percent in furnishings, household equipment and household maintenance services.

Prices also increased by 1.17 percent in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; 0.90 percent in recreation and culture; 0.63 percent in communications; 0.36 percent in restaurants and hotels; and 0.14 percent in alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

Compared with the previous month, average prices increased for 454 of the 557 categories of goods and services covered by the index, while average prices decreased for 103 categories.

The Statistical Institute had previously announced inflation rates of 3.04 percent for August and 2.90 percent for July.