14 October 2004
Inquiries: Mr Timo Koskimäki +358 9 1734 3479, Mr
Juhani Pekkarinen +358 9 1734 3476, Ms Mari Ylä-Jarkko +358 9 1734
3310
Director in charge: Mr Kari Molnar
Inflation 0.4 per cent in September
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 0.4 per cent in September. Inflation was thus the same as in August.
Consumer prices were brought up most in the year by higher prices of liquid fuels, by 0.4 percentage points. Risen charges for cultural and leisure services, rent increases and higher prices of dwellings also raised the average price level. Inflation was still held back most by fallen prices of alcoholic beverages. Lower telephone call charges, reduced prices of used cars, decreased prices of flights and the fall in interest rates from the previous year also diminished inflation.
From August to September, consumer prices rose by 0.4 per cent, which was mainly due to ending of sales of clothing and higher prices of fresh vegetables.
Inflation indicators in Finland, September 2004
| Point figure | Change on one year | Change on one month | |
| Consumer Price Index (2000=100) | 105.7 | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Cost of Living Index (1951:10=100) | 1,585 | ||
| Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (1996=100) | 114.0 |
0.2% | 0.4% |
Each mid-month, Statistics Finland interviewers collect around 50,000 prices on 492 commodities from approximately 3,000 outlets for the Consumer Price Index. In addition, some 1,000 items of price data are gathered by centralised collection.
According to preliminary data, inflation in the EMU countries 2.2 per cent in September
According to the preliminary data on the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, the rate of inflation in the member states of the EMU was in September 2.2 per cent. In August it was 2.3 per cent. The corresponding figure for Finland in September was 0.2 per cent.
Eurostat's estimate on inflation in the EMU area is based on preliminary data published by certain member states and on the price development of energy. Eurostat will publish detailed data on the Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices for September on 18 October.
Source: Consumer Price Index 2004, September. Statistics Finland