Development of consumer prices in the 4th quarter of 2009

Consumer prices increased in total by 0,2 % in the 4^th quarter compared with the 3^rd quarter of 2009. Prices increased in the divisions: alcoholic beverages and tobacco by 3,7 %, education by 1,8 % and health by 1,7 %. Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 1 %, of furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance by 0,9 %.

In the division of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, prices of tobacco increased by 8,5 %, wine by 0,8 % and beer by 0,5 %. Prices of spirits decreased by 0,2 %.
In the division of education, prices of education not definable by the level increased by 2,4 %, pre-primary education and primary education by 2 % and secondary education by 1,9 %.
In health, prices of pharmaceutical preparations and products increased by 3 %, medical services by 1,5 %, dental services by 1,1 % and other outpatient services by 1,1 %. Prices of other medical products decreased by 1,7 %.
A price cut in foodand non-alcoholic beverages was affected by lower prices of fruit by 7,3 %, vegetable (including potatoes) by 1,5 %, sugar, jam, honey, syrups, chocolates and confectionary by 1,4 %, bread and cereals by 1,2 %, meat by 0,9 %, oils and fats by 0,4 %. Prices of milk, cheese and eggs increased by 1,6 % and fishes by 0,3 %. Prices of mineral water, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices decreased by 0,4 %, prices of coffee, tea and cocoa did not change.
A price decrease in the division of furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance was affected by lower prices of furniture and furnishings by 1,8 %, non-durable household goods by 1,5 %, small electric household appliances by 1,3 %, major household appliances by 0,9 %, carpets and other floor coverings by 0,4 %. Prices of domestic services and household services increased by 0,7 %.