In September, the consumer price index was affected the most by food

Compared to September 2016, goods were 3.7% and services 3.5% more expensive. Regulated prices of goods and services have risen by 7.4% and non-regulated prices by 2.7% compared to September 2016.

Compared to September 2016, the consumer price index was affected the most by 5.8% more expensive food and non-alcoholic beverages, which contributed more than a third of the total increase of the index. A third of the latter was contributed by 12.5% more expensive milk, dairy products and eggs, and a tenth each by fats (26.4% more expensive), meat and meat products (2.9%) and fresh fruit (8.7%). Alcoholic beverages and tobacco accounted for a fifth of the total increase of the index, of which more than a half was contributed by 26% more expensive beer and a sixth by 6.2% more expensive tobacco products. The price increase of motor fuel also had a greater impact on the index. Petrol was 11.3% and diesel fuel 9.8% more expensive than in September 2016. Of food products, the biggest price increases were seen for butter (47%), low‑fat milk (25%) and potatoes (20%).

In September, compared to August, the consumer price index was affected the most by the ending of seasonal sales of clothing and footwear and the arrival of new seasonal goods to stores. The negative monthly change was caused by 1% cheaper food and non-alcoholic beverages due to a 7.6% price decrease of vegetables and 3.3% price decrease of fish and fish products. Plane tickets purchased for September were 11% and accommodation services 9% cheaper.

Statistics Estonia publishes the consumer price index on the 5th working day of each month, after the end of the reporting period. For the statistical activity “Consumer price index”, the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Finance, commissioned by whom Statistics Estonia collects and analyses the data necessary for conducting the statistical activity.