Inflation in Hungary Remains Above 25% in March

The highest price rises were measured for electricity, gas, and other fuels as well as food over the last 12 months, KSH notes.

Compared to March 2022, a price rise of 42.6% was recorded for food, within which the highest ones for the following: 74% for eggs, 72.8% for milk products, 68% for butter, 67% for bread, 66.2% for other confectionery products, 60.6% for cheese, 53.9% for pasta products, 50.4% for milk and 48% for rolls. The lowest price increases within the product group were observed for flour (9.7%) and edible oil (3.9%). 

Electricity, gas and other fuels became 43.1%, within which natural and manufactured gas 62.8%, firewood 55.9%, butane and propane gas 51.6%, and electricity 27.6% more expensive. Consumers paid 11.2% more for consumer durables, within which 20.7% more for new passenger cars, 19.6% more for heating and cooking appliances, 18.9% more for kitchen and other furniture, and 16.7% more for living and dining room furniture. 

Alcoholic beverage and tobacco prices rose by 19.7% on average, within which alcoholic beverage prices by 27.4%.

Pet food prices increased by 62.3%, the price of detergents by 35.8%, that of toilet articles by 28.1%, and household repair and maintenance goods prices by 26.9%.

Motor fuels also became 26.9% more expensive. Service charges were up by 13.0%, within which a taxi cost 35.7%, other public entertainment tickets 27.7%, motorway use, renting a car and parking 26.4%, recreation in the country as well as the repair and maintenance of vehicles 24.4% and the repair and maintenance of dwellings 20.6% more for consumers.

Prices up 0.8% Compared to February

Compared to February 2023, consumer prices increased by 0.8% on average. Food became 1.5%, within which seasonal food items (potatoes, fresh vegetables, and fresh domestic and tropical fruits) 6.1%, coffee 5.1%, non-alcoholic beverages 4.5%, buffet products and chocolate and cocoa both 2.6% and meals at restaurants 1.6% more expensive.

Cheese became 3.7%, butter 3.1%, pasta products 2.3%, rolls 1.2%, and milk 0.8% cheaper.

The price of electricity, gas, and other fuels lessened by 3.8%, within which 8.7% less was paid for natural and manufactured gas.

Motor fuel prices were cut by 2.6%. Pet food cost 7%, detergents 2.1%, and flowers and ornamental plants 1.9% more for consumers.

On average, services became 1.9%, within which telephone and internet services 8.4%, TV subscriptions 6.5%, taxis 4.6%, recreation in the country 3.2%, and personal care services 2.1% more expensive.