The annual inflation rate was 15.5% in February, from 15.1% in January

By RBJ
The annual inflation rate increased to 15.5% in February 2023, from 15.1% in January 2023, in the conditions in which food goods rose in price by 22.35%, non-food goods by 12.73%, and services by 10.38%, according to the data of the National Institute of Statistics, published on Monday.
Consumer prices in February 2023, compared to January 2023, increased by 0.98%, due to the increase in food prices by 1.85%, non-food products by 0.45% and services by 0.70%.
The average rate of change in consumer prices in the last 12 months (March 2022 – February 2023) compared to the previous 12 months (March 2021 – February 2022) is 14.9%.
In February compared to January, the prices of vegetables and canned vegetables increased the most, by 6.35%, fresh fruit, by 4.88%, potatoes, by 4.61%, fresh fish, by 2.78% , cheese, by 2.26%. Price increases were also recorded for eggs, by 1.33%, sugar – 1.23%, milk – 1.01%, poultry meat – 1.2%, milling and bakery products – 1.13%, but also beer, by 1.63%.
In the group of food products, prices were recorded for edible oil, in February compared to January, by 1.83%.
In the services category, the highest price increase, with 3.55%, in February compared to the previous month, was recorded in the manufacture and repair of clothing and footwear. Rents increased by 1.1%, medical care by 1.58%, restaurants, cafes, canteens by 1.57%, and hygiene and cosmetics by +1.46%.
There were reductions in plane tickets, by 12.28%, in electricity – by 1.33%, and thermal energy – by 1.06%.
The National Bank of Romania expects the annual inflation rate to decrease faster than previously anticipated, especially starting from the third quarter of the current year, against the background of the extension of energy price capping and compensation schemes until March 31, 2025 and the redefinition of their characteristics from January 1, 2023.