Hungarian CPI Falls to 2.1% in January

Hungary's annualized consumer price index fell to 2.1% in January from 3.3% in the previous month, data released by the Central Statistical Office (KSH) on Thursday show.

Food prices edged up 1.3%, but fell 2.0% excluding the price of eating out. Margarine prices dropped 29.4%, the price of dairy products declined 17.9% and flour prices were down 14.8%.

Household energy prices rose 6.2% as piped gas prices climbed 12.8% and electricity prices increased 1.9%.

Consumer durable prices rose 2.9%.

Motor fuel prices fell 12.3%.

Prices of spirits and tobacco products increased 6.3% and clothing prices rose 1.6%. Service prices were up 5.0%.

CPI adjusted for better comparison with other European Union member states was 2.3%.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile fuel and food prices, was 2.7%.

The CPI calculated with a basket of goods and services used by pensioners was 2.0%.

In a month-on-month comparison, consumer prices edged up 0.3%. Food prices, excluding the price of eating out, inched up 0.4%. Service prices increased 0.4%, household energy prices fell 0.9% and motor fuel prices dropped 1.5%.