Hungary CPI Falls to 1.4% in February

Hungary's annualised consumer price index fell to 1.4% in February from 2.1% in the previous month, according to data released by the Central Statistical Office (KSH) on Tuesday show.

Food prices edged up 0.2%, but fell 3.2% excluding the price of eating out. Margarine prices dropped 32.3%, the price of milk declined 17.0% and flour prices were down 14.9%.

Household energy prices rose 4.2% as piped gas prices climbed 10.8% and electricity prices increased 2.3%. Consumer durable prices rose 2.8%. Motor fuel prices fell 11.1%. Prices of spirits and tobacco products increased 5.8% and clothing prices inched up 0.7%. Service prices were up 4.2%.

CPI adjusted for better comparison with other European Union member states was 1.6%. Core inflation, which excludes volatile fuel and food prices, was 2.1%. The CPI calculated with a basket of goods and services used by pensioners was 1.3%.

In a month-on-month comparison, consumer prices edged up 0.1%. Food prices, excluding the price of eating out, inched up 0.1%. Service prices increased 0.4%, household energy prices fell 1.7% and motor fuel prices rose 0.6%.