The Consumer Price Index increased by 0.7 percent in November, 2018 compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 1.9 percent, - the National Statistics Office (Geostat) told InterPressNews.

“The monthly inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups: Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group increased by 1.4 percent, contributing 0.41 percentage points to the overall CPI change. The prices increased for the subgroups of vegetables (5.7 percent), milk, cheese and eggs (3.3 percent), fish (2.1 percent) and meat (1.8 percent). Meanwhile, the prices decreased for fruit and grapes (-8.3 percent); Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance: the prices increased by 1.8 percent, contributing 0.12 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. The prices were higher for major household appliances whether electric or not (3.8 percent); Recreation and culture: there was a 2.0 percent increase in the prices, contributing 0.11 percent to the overall CPI change. The prices increased for recreational and cultural services (4.6 percent).

The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups: Transport: the prices in the group increased by 3.8 percent, with a relevant contribution of 0.49 percentage points to the overall index growth. The prices within the group increased for operation of personal transport equipment (9.2 percent); Health: the prices increased by 5.5 percent, which resulted in a 0.46 percentage point contribution to the overall annual inflation rate. Prices increased for the following subgroups: medical products, appliances and equipment (10.1 percent), out-patient services (3.7 percent) and hospital services (2.5 percent).

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: the prices in the group increased by 4.6 percent, with a relevant contribution of 0.31 percentage points to the annual inflation. The prices increased for tobacco (8.5 percent); Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels: the prices increased by 3.6 percent, contributing 0.3 percentage points to the annual inflation. The prices increased for the subgroups of water supply and miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling (7.7 percent), electricity, gas and other fuels (3.5 percent), also for maintenance and repair of the dwelling (2.2 percent),” the Geostat said.