In September, consumer prices were on average 3.0% higher than a year earlier. Over the course of a month, prices decreased by an average of 0.1%, with motor fuel becoming 3.7% cheaper, according to a report released on Thursday by the Central Statistical Office (KSH).
The price of food rose by 3.7% over the past 12 months, with flour increasing by 32.9%, milk by 13.8%, chocolate and cocoa by 10.1%, fruit and vegetable juices by 8.5%, restaurant meals by 7.6%, school meals by 6.9%, and cooking oil by 6.7%. Within the same category, the price of pasta decreased by 5.8%, sugar by 3.6%, eggs by 3.5%, poultry meat by 2.4%, and dairy products by 1.0% compared to last September.
According to the latest data from KSH, services became 8.4% more expensive over the year, with rent increasing by 10.7%, highway tolls, car rentals, and parking fees by 10.6%, condominium maintenance costs by 10.5%, personal care services by 10.0%, vehicle repair and maintenance by 9.9%, home repair and maintenance by 8.6%, sports and museum entry fees by 8.1%, and vacation services by 3.8%.
The price of alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose by 3.9%, with alcohol prices specifically increasing by 4.4%.
Household energy costs decreased by 5.0%, with piped gas 9.4% cheaper and electricity prices down by 1.3%.
For durable consumer goods, prices fell by 0.2%, with used cars becoming 6.1% cheaper, jewelry by 10.7%, and new cars by 6.3%. Meanwhile, the price of bedroom furniture rose by 2.5% and kitchen and other furniture by 2.2%.
The report also noted that medicines and medical products became 6.0% more expensive, while motor fuels were 9.5% cheaper.
Compared to August, consumer prices decreased by an average of 0.1%. Food prices increased by 1.0% on average, with milk up 6.9%, butter and margarine by 5.0%, dairy products by 3.2%, and seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables, domestic and tropical fruits combined) up 2.9%. Eggs were 2.7% more expensive, while sugar prices fell by 1.5%, poultry meat by 1.1%, and pork by 0.6%.
Household energy prices in September were 0.2% higher than the previous month, with firewood up by 2.6% and bottled gas by 1.1%, while piped gas was 0.1% cheaper.
Motor fuel prices decreased by 3.7%. Service prices fell by an average of 0.8%, with vacation services dropping by 14.0% due to seasonal effects, KSH reported.
(MTI)
