Hungary’s consumer prices flat y/y in Jan 2014, below expectations.

By bne IntelliNews February 17, 2014

Hungary's consumer prices remained unchanged y/y in January 2014, after increasing 0.4% y/y in December 2013, the statistics office said. The reading was below market expectation for a 0.2% y/y growth. On a monthly basis, consumer prices in the country increased by 0.3%, reversing from a monthly drop in the previous three months.

The figures in January were largely due to the government's decision in November 2013 to cut utility prices resulting in a 16.9% y/y drop in prices of electricity, gas and other fuels.

Prices of consumer durable goods extended their downward trend, falling by 0.8% on the year, reflecting continued weak household demand. Prices of clothing and footwear saw a 0.7% y/y fall in January, slightly smaler than December’s drop of 1.1% y/y. Food prices also swung into a 0.2% y/y decline in the month. Prices of motor fuels decreased by 0.6% y/y.

On the other hand, prices of alcohol beverages and tobacco products rose by 10.5% y/y, after a 12% y/y hike in December. Costs of services advanced by 3.1% y/y in January, slower that the 3.7% y/y increase a month earlier.

Related Articles

Druzhba oil flow to Slovakia and Hungary is renewed

The oil flow from the Russian Druzhba pipeline was renewed late on August 19. “The flow of oil to Slovakia is standard at the moment,” the country’s Minister of Economy Denisa Saková (Hlas) ... more

US Westinghouse could develop electricity storage site near Slovak Gabčíkovo hydroelectric power plant

US power company Westinghouse is reportedly in talks with the Slovak government to develop a new type of electricity storage site near the Gabčíkovo hydroelectric power plant (HPP) on the Danube ... more

Viktor Orban hints at possible EU exit scenario in conversation with hard-right platform

Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary's EU membership remains worthwhile for now, but there could come a time when this changes. "There could theoretically be a point when it's no longer worth ... more

Dismiss