The consumer price index in December increased by 3.5% compared to the same month last year, the national statistics agency (Statec) reported on Monday. Compared to November, however, a decline of 0.2% was observed, attributed to a significant 3.9% drop in petroleum product prices within a month.
At the fuel pumps, motorists experienced a welcomed relief with a 4.8% reduction in the cost of a liter of diesel, while petrol saw a 5.0% decrease within a month. Heating oil expenses dropped by 8.3%. Comparatively, petroleum product prices were 4.4% lower than December of the previous year.
Food prices remained stable compared to November, with notable decreases in frozen seafood (-3.8%), pork (-2%), and fresh fruit (-0.8%). Conversely, pasta and couscous saw a 2.5% increase, and fresh vegetables rose by 1%. In the annual comparison, food prices as a whole saw a 7.3% increase in December 2023 - a definitely noticeable difference at the checkout counter.
Thanks to promotional campaigns ahead of and during the holiday season, prices of spirits and liquers (-2.7%) and wine (-0.8%) dropped slightly.
Plane ticket prices surged by 15.5% due to school holidays, while package travel saw a more moderate 2.1% increase. Accommodations, including hotels, motels, and apartments, recorded a 2.1% price hike.
Furthermore, inflation was boosted by a 2.5% increase in the prices of domestic services in December. This data, derived from an administrative file on salaries in private households, was integrated into the consumer price index with a three-month lag, reflecting the index tranche applied in September 2023.
