According to the Federal Statistical Office, wholesale prices increased by 6.0% in February 2008 in comparison with February last year. In January and December the annual price change rates had been +6.6% and +5.1% respectively. Compared to January 2008 the whole sale price index fell by 0.2%.
Annual comparison with February 2007
Particularly strongly increased wholesale prices for cereals, seeds and fodder (+50.2%). Milk, dairy products, food oil and fats were 25.2% more expensive in February this year than in the same month last year.
Prices for solid fuels and mineral oil products increased by 14.7%. Ores, iron, steel, non-ferrous metals and semi-finished products thereof became 1.8% more expensive. Office devices and equipment were 12.9% less expensive than in February last year.
Monthly comparison with January 2008
In comparison with January this year, wholesale prices for solid fuels and mineral oil products fell by 3.2%. Prices for ores, iron, steel, non-ferrous metals and the semi-finished products thereof, on the other hand, rose by 1.5%. In the second half of 2007 these had constantly been decreasing.
The wholesale price increase with regard to cereals, seeds and fodder slowed down in February 2008 (+0.4%). Flour and cereal products were 0.2% less expensive. The prices for milk, dairy products, eggs, cooking oil and cooking fats decreased as well (-0.5%). 