Inflation in Thuringia weakened: high food prices
Thuringia's consumers had to spend 4.0% more on their living expenses in October than a year ago. Compared to October 2022, prices were driven less by overall energy costs and more by food and services. This is according to figures released by the State Statistical Office in Erfurt on Monday. In September, the inflation rate in the state was still at 4.9 percent.
The biggest price increase within a year was recorded by the state office's mystery shoppers for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, which rose by 9.3 percent. Food and non-alcoholic beverages were 6.7 percent more expensive on average than a year ago. Consumers also had to dig deeper into their pockets for restaurant visits and hotel bookings. Prices for these increased by an average of 6.9 percent.
The average increase for energy and fuels was only 0.3% - albeit from a relatively high base in October 2022 and with different developments for the individual energy sources. Electricity prices were 18.5% higher on average than a year ago, while gas prices were 3.3% higher. Heating oil, on the other hand, cost 22.2 percent less and fuels 6.1 percent less on average. Thanks to the 49-euro ticket, average prices for passenger transport were 28.5 percent lower than a year ago.
The statisticians recorded smaller price fluctuations of 1.7 percent from September to October due to the change in clothing and footwear collections. Prices for heating oil and fuels fell by 1.2% within a month.
Despite the decrease in overall energy costs, Thuringia's consumers still faced increasing prices for food and services, leading to a 4.0% rise in living expenses compared to last year. In particular, the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.7%, and prices for restaurant visits and hotel bookings rose by an average of 6.9%.
Source: www.dpa.com
