In March, the consumer price index was influenced the most by transport
According to Statistics Estonia, the change of the consumer price index in March 2016 was 0.8% compared to February 2016 and -0.2% compared to March of the previous year.
Compared to March 2015, goods were 0.3% and services 0.1% cheaper. Regulated prices of goods and services have fallen by 3.0% and non-regulated prices have risen by 0.7 % compared to March of the previous year.
Compared to March 2015, the consumer price index was influenced the most by motor fuel, which has become 11.6% cheaper, with petrol having become 10.7% and diesel fuel 13.5% cheaper. 11% cheaper heat energy and 6% more expensive alcoholic beverages also had a bigger impact on the index. Compared to March of the previous year, liquid fuel has become 26% more expensive and pipeline gas has become 26% cheaper.
In March compared to February, the consumer price index was yet again influenced the most by transport, which provided more than a third of the total increase, with motor fuel becoming 2.9% and plane tickets bought for March 21% more expensive. 1.2% more expensive food and non-alcoholic beverages had nearly the same impact on the index, with 4.5% more expensive vegetables providing more than a third of the impact.
The previous time that the monthly change of the consumer price index was greater than 0.8% was in March 2012 when it was 1.0%.
| Commodity group | March 2015 – March 2016, % | February 2016 – March 2016, % |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | -0.2 | 0.8 |
| Food and non-alcoholic beverages | 0.5 | 1.2 |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco | 5.4 | 0.7 |
| Clothing and footwear | 3.2 | 1.9 |
| Housing | -2.7 | -0.1 |
| Household goods | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Health | 1.7 | 0.2 |
| Transport | -5.6 | 2.1 |
| Communications | -0.3 | 0.5 |
| Recreation and culture | 3.5 | 0.8 |
| Education | -13.7 | 0.0 |
| Hotels, cafés and restaurants | 3.3 | -0.4 |
| Miscellaneous goods and services | 1.7 | -0.2 |