According to information released by Statistics Estonia on May 8, the consumer price index (CPI) in April increased by 0.4% MoM and by 2.9% YoY.
Compared to April 2017 goods were 3.2% and services 2.4% more expensive. Regulated prices of goods and services have risen by 7.6% and non-regulated prices by 1.6% compared to last April.
Compared to April 2017 the CPI was affected the most by 14.2% more expensive alcoholic beverages and 8.4% more expensive tobacco, which contributed almost 30% of the total increase of the index. Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for over a quarter of the total increase of the index, of which more than two thirds were contributed by 3.9% more expensive meat and meat products, 9.9% more expensive fruit and 4% more expensive milk, milk products and eggs. Compared to April of the previous year of food products, the biggest price increases were seen for beer (31%), butter (22%) and frozen fruit and berries (20%), while the biggest price decrease was seen for sugar (19%).
Housing accounted for almost a quarter of the total increase of the index. Electricity that reached homes was 6.7% and rent 11.5% more expensive than one year ago. Gasoline was 9.6% and diesel fuel 6.7% more expensive than in April 2017.
Compared to March in April the consumer price index was affected the most by transport. Gasoline prices increased 3.8% and diesel fuel 0.5%. 16% less expensive eggs accounted for a half of the price decrease of food and non-alcoholic beverages. A greater impact on the monthly change came also from 3.7% less expensive electricity that reached homes. (ERR/Business World Magazine)