Compared to March 2020, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.3 % in March 2021. Prices of services rose by 0.9 %, while prices of goods fell by 0.1 %.
Compared to March 2020, in March 2021 the average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the increase in prices of goods and services related to transport, prices of recreational and cultural goods and services, prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, health care, as well as decrease in prices of goods and services related to housing, clothing and footwear, food and non-alcoholic beverages, according to information from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.
Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 0.6 %. Over the year, the most significant price drop was for meat and meat products (3.4 %), including price decrease for poultry (7.9 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.6 %), pork (2.8 %) and meat preparations (2,0 %). The prices dropped for bread (3.4 %), butter (6.6 %), potatoes (7.2 %), fruit and vegetable juices (4.6 %), as well as coffee (0.8 %). In turn, the average level of prices increased for flours and other cereals (10.2 %), milk products (3.1 %), vegetable oil (9.3 %), milk (2.0 %), bakery products (1.2 %), jams and honey (4.0 %).
The average level of prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products has increased by 1.8 %.
Prices of alcoholic beverages have increased by 2.8 %, mainly due to higher prices of spirits and beer. Prices of tobacco products rose on average by 0.1 %.
The average price level of clothing and footwear has decreased by 3.9 %. Prices of footwear fell by 8.0 %, but prices of garments – by 2.8 %.
Prices of goods and services related to housing dropped by 2.5 %, mainly due to an 8.3 % decrease in the average level of heat energy prices. Decline was registered also in prices of rentals for housing, solid fuels, electricity and natural gas. In turn, increase was recorded in prices of services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, as well as materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling.
In the health care group, the prices increased by 2.4 %.
Over the year, the average price level rose for dental services and medical specialist practice. In turn, the fall was registered in prices of pharmaceutical products, mainly reimbursable medical products.
Prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 3.3 %, which was mainly affected by the increase in prices of fuel by 6.1 %. Diesel prices rose by an average of 6.6 %, petrol by 5.6 % and auto gas by 4.2 %. Prices increased for passenger transport by road and second-hand motor cars. Prices dropped for passenger transport by air, which continued to be significantly affected by the Covid-19 restrictions.
Over the year, the average level of prices of recreational and cultural goods and services increased by 2.0 %. The most significant increase was in prices of flowers, personal computers, television subscription fee, as well as newspapers and magazines. In turn, the prices dropped for pet food.
Among other commodity groups, the most notable increase in prices was for catering services, telecommunication services, household cleaning and maintenance products, household furniture, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services. In turn, decline in prices was for motor vehicle insurance.
The average level of consumer prices increased by 0.8 % during the month
Compared to February 2021, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.8 % in March 2021. The average price level for goods has increased by 1.0 %, while for services – by 0.3 %. The greatest pressure on the price changes was due to the increase in prices of clothing and footwear, of goods and services related to transport, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, recreational and cultural goods and services, in the group of miscellaneous goods and services, as well as the drop in prices of goods and services related to housing.
During the month, the average level of prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages remained unchanged. Due to the end of sales, the most significant price increases were for bakery products (2.1 %), flour and other cereals (4.8 %), fresh or chilled fish (8.4 %), jams and honey (6.1 %), chocolate (2.9 %), poultry (1.4 %). In turn, due to the seasonal factors prices fell for fresh fruit (3.0 %), mainly grapes and oranges, as well as fresh vegetables (2.3 %), mainly cucumbers. The prices dropped for coffee (1.6 %), bread (1.0 %), fruit and vegetable juices (3.1 %).
The average level of prices increased for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products – by 1.5 %, mainly due to the increase of excise duty as of 1 March 2021. Increase in prices was registered for spirits and beer.
The rise in prices for clothing and footwear typical for March was influenced by the goods of the new spring season entering the market. The average level of prices for clothing and footwear has increased by 7.2 % in March. The prices for garments increased by 5.5 %, but for footwear – by 12.9 %. As emergency situation continues, it was possible to buy clothing and footwear only remotely, except for individual stores where trade of the entire assortment was allowed in accordance with the adopted rules. The total share of imputations for clothing and footwear was 33 %.
Prices of goods and services related to housing declined by 0.1 %, which was mainly affected by the drop in price of electricity. In turn, the prices of services for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling rose.
The average level of prices of goods and services related to transport increased by 1.8 %. Fuel became more expensive – by 3.4 %, including diesel – by 3.5 %, petrol – by 3.1 %, and auto gas – by 5.1 %. Prices also rose for passenger transport by air.
Prices of goods and services related to recreation and culture increased on average by 0.8 %. As the sales ended, prices rose for flowers as well as pet food.
The average level of prices in the group of miscellaneous goods and services has increased by 0.6 %, which was mainly influenced by the increase in prices of hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services. As of 1 March, hairdressing and manicure/pedicure services are allowed, subject to safety conditions. Prices of articles for personal hygiene and beauty products also rose.
Among other commodity groups, the most significant price increase was for non-electric kitchen utensils and articles, while the price decrease was for pharmaceutical products.
Compared to 2015, consumer prices in March 2021 were 10.0 % higher. Prices of goods rose by 7.9 %, while prices of services – by 15.0 %.
