In September 2020 the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.7 percent compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 3.8 percent, the new report published by Geostat reads.

The monthly inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups: Transport: the prices increased by 1.9 percent, contributing 0.2 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within the group the prices increased for purchase of vehicles (3.5 percent) and operation of personal transport equipment (2.5 percent);

Health: the prices went up by 1.8 percent, contributing 0.15 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. The prices increased for medical products, appliances and equipment (3.1 percent) and out-patient services (1.7 percent);

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group increased by 0.5 percent, contributing 0.14 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: milk, cheese and eggs (2.6 percent), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (1.2 percent), fruit and grapes (0.6 percent) and vegetables (0.6 percent);

Clothing and footwear: the prices increased by 2.4 percent, contributing 0.08 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. The prices went up for both footwear (3.3 percent) and clothing (1.9 percent).

The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group increased by 6.3 percent, contributing 1.97 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. Within the group the prices increased for the following subgroups: coffee, tea and cocoa (14.4 percent), fish (11.7 percent), oils and fats (11.1 percent), bread and cereals (8.7 percent), fruit and grapes (8.2 percent), milk, cheese and eggs (6.1 percent), meat (5.7 percent), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (5.1 percent) and sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (4.1 percent);

Health: the prices went up by 7.5 percent, contributing 0.61 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices increased for out-patient services (12.0 percent) and medical products, appliances and equipment (9.4 percent);

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: the prices increased by 8.9 percent, with a relevant contribution of 0.59 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices increased for both tobacco (13.3 percent) and alcoholic beverages (5.1 percent);

Miscellaneous goods and services: the prices went up by 9.1 percent, which resulted in a 0.51 percentage point contribution to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: personal effects n.e.c (30.3 percent) and personal care (13.0 percent).