Inflation Picks Up in Hungary

Consumer prices were 3.1% higher on average in February 2021 than a year earlier, Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports.

Relatively significant price rises were measured over the last 12 months for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and price rises slightly exceeding the average for food and consumer durables. In one month, consumer prices increased by 0.7% on average, the report adds.

In 12 months, compared to February 2020:
Food prices were up by 3.4%, within which the price of edible oil by 25.1%, that of sugar by 9.9%, the price of meals at canteens by 8.0%, candies and honey prices by 7.5%, the price of flour by 7.1% and that of seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fresh domestic and tropical fruits together) by 5.8%. A price decrease of 7.3% was recorded for pork and of 0.6% for poultry meat. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco became an average 9.9%, within which tobacco 16.5% more expensive. Consumers paid 3.8% more for consumer durables, within which 12.1% more for new passenger cars. Motor fuel prices became 4.6% higher.

In one month, compared to January 2021:
Consumer prices increased by 0.7% on average. Food became 1.0% more expensive, within which edible oil cost 6.8%, fruit and vegetable juice 4.9%, seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits) 3.5%, margarine 2.3% and milk 2.2% more, while pork 1.5% less for consumers. Consumers paid 0.5% more for services and 0.4% more for consumer durables, within which latter living and dining room furniture became 1.3% more expensive. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices went up by 0.3% on average, within which beer prices by 0.9%. Motor fuel prices became 3.8% higher.