Skopje, 9 January 2024 (MIA) - Consumer prices in December 2023 increased by 0.2 percent compared to the previous month, while retail prices rose by 1 percent. In 2023, consumer prices increased by 9.4 percent, while retail prices went up by 7 percent, said the State Statistical Office on Tuesday.

An increase of indices was registered in the groups: Furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house by 13.6%, Restaurants and hotels by 12.7%, Food and non-alcoholic beverages by 11.7%, Miscellaneous goods and services by 11.6%, Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels by 10.4%, Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics by 8.0%, Recreation and culture by 6.7%, Health by 4.6%, Clothing and footwear by 4.4%, Education by 2.9%, Communication by 1.1% and Transport by 0.5%.

The movement of retail prices in 2023 was different by various groups of products as well. An increase of the indices was registered in all groups: Food industrial products by 12.5%, Beverages by 9.7%, Agricultural products by 8.5%, Services by 6.0% and Non-food industrial products and tobacco by 5.3%.

Consumer prices in December increased by 3.6 percent compared to the same month in 2022, while retail prices increased by 3.7 percent.

The increase in consumer prices is a result of higher indices of wine by 1.3%, food products n.e.c by 0.7%, beer by 0.6%, fresh or chilled vegetables other than potatoes and other tubers by 0.3%, meat, sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery by 0.2%.

In December 2023, there was also an increase in the indices of passenger transport by air by 38.7%, package holidays by 6.8%, electric appliances for personal care by 2.7%, water supply, passenger transport by road by 1.6%, garments by 1.5%, major tools and equipment, information processing equipment by 1.2%, repair and hire of footwear by 1.1%, pharmaceutical products, recreational and sporting services, restaurants, cafes and the like by 0.8%, repair of household appliances, domestic services and household services, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments by 0.7%, furniture and furnishings, repair of furniture, furnishings and floor coverings, other services in respect of personal transport equipment, recording media by 0.5%, glassware, tableware and household utensils by 0.4%, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling, small tools and miscellaneous accessories, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment by 0.3%, therapeutical appliances and equipment, medical services, games, toys and hobbies, cultural services, books, jewellery, clocks and watches by 0.2%.

The decrease in consumer prices was a result of the lower indices of fresh or chilled fruit by 4.9% and fish and seafood by 0.6%.

In December 2023, there was also a decrease of the indices of liquid fuels for household by 6.0%, accommodation services by 5.5%, paramedical services by 4.7%, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment by 3.7%, gardens, plants and flowers by 1.2%, small electric household appliances, non-durable household goods by 1.0%, major electric household appliances, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment, other personal effects by 0.3%, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories, motor cars by 0.2%.

MIA file photo