Czech consumer prices were 2.5 per cent higher in September than a year earlier, up from 1.9 per cent in August, according to the flash estimate. Energy inflation accelerated sharply, while the overall monthly price index was unchanged. Services grew dearer annually and food remained cheaper. Full results are scheduled for 13 October, with the preliminary estimate still subject to revision.
Energy prices rose 5.9 per cent annually and 2.7 per cent over the month. Annual energy inflation had been 2.3 per cent in August. Services prices increased 4.6 per cent from a year earlier, up from 4.5 per cent, while falling 0.9 per cent from August. Food and non-alcoholic beverages were 3.5 per cent cheaper annually and 0.4 per cent cheaper monthly. Their annual decline had been 4.3 per cent in August.[1]
The narrower index excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco retained annual inflation of 3.3 per cent and fell 0.5 per cent monthly. Excluding energy alone, annual inflation rose from 1.9 per cent to 2.1 per cent.[1]
The flash estimate combines field surveys, centrally collected prices and reporting available by day 20 of the reference month. The statistical office schedules full consumer-price results for 13 October. The September estimates remain preliminary and may change in that release.[1]
