The rate of inflation increased to 0.8% in January, 0.2% higher compared to December 2004. The increase was mainly due to higher utility prices.
According to data released by the National Statistics Office, inflation was 8.9% compared with last January. The Romanian authorities' stated objective for this year is to bring inflation down to 7% from the 9.3% seen at the end of 2004.
Since December 2004, prices for non-food products rose by 1.3%, while the cost of services rose 0.6%. Over the same interval, prices of food products increased by 0.4%.
Statistical data suggests that the main factors behind the increase in the consumer price index were the higher prices for utilities, which increased by 5% and 4.4% for gas and electricity respectively. Thermal power prices did not increase.
Significant price rises were also seen for books, newspapers and magazines (3.3%), fuel (0.5%), and tissues and detergents (0.4%).
Conversely, prices for cars and car parts fell by 0.2%, most likely as a consequence of the strengthening of the local currency.
In terms of food products, seasonal influences were reflected in the 1.6% price rises for fresh fruit and 1% for vegetables and tinned vegetable. Prices of eggs, however, dropped 2.6% in January, and last year's good harvest pushed prices for milling products down by 1.1% for flour and 0.4% for corn flour.
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