Inflation rose again in February to 7.3% against 7.1% in January, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) announced on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.
This increase is mainly due to the acceleration of the rate of the rise in prices of Food Group products at 8.2% compared to 7.1% last month.
Rising food inflation
In February 2019, food prices grew 8.2% year-on-year (7.1% in January 2019). This increase is explained by the rise in meat prices by 15.4%, cheese and eggs by 12%, vegetables by 11.2% and fish by 4.8%. Excluding fresh products, food prices are up over one year by 5.8%.
Higher prices for transportation products and services
Year-on-year, transport group prices rose by 10.1% due to the 11.2% increase in vehicle prices, the cost of using vehicles (spare parts and fuels) by 10% and transportation services of 8.7%.
Core inflation and inflation of administered products
The core inflation rate (excluding food and energy) stood at 6.9% compared to 7.1% in January 2019.
The prices of free products (non-administered) grew by 8.2% compared with 4.4% for administered prices.
Free food products posted an increase of 9.3% against 2.4% for administered products.
