Consumer prices rise slightly
The Swiss Federal Department for Statistics (BfS) recorded a slight rise in consumer prices in the month of February. It was found that prices had increases 0.3% that month.
Slight rise in consumer prices
The consumer price index saw a slight rise in the month of February. The indicator showed an increase of 0.3%. The national consumer price index now stands at 98.9 points. The basis for the points scale are the prices from December 2010 (December 2010 = 100 points).
In comparison with the February of the year prior, inflation has gone back slightly by around 0.3%. Looking at the long-term development of prices, one can see that this has been relatively constant over the past few year. In comparison with the year 2005, the average price today is only around 3% higher. In comparison with the year 1993 one can see that the average consumer today has to pay about 15% more than 20 years ago. Looking at this long-term development we can therefore see that the rise in consumer prices has been somewhat moderate.
Crude oil is more expensive, food stuffs are cheaper
The consumer had to pay more at the pump. Gasoline, diesel and heating oil have all seen an increase in cost. At the same time, however, the cost of clothing and shoes is also on the rise. The reason for this development is the end of the seasonal discounted sales periods in certain areas of the clothing industry. Another place where consumers have to pay more is housing. Aside from the increased cost of heating oil, the cost of rent has also seen an upward trend. Food stuffs, alcohol and tobacco products have all seen a drop in price. The alcohol and tobacco saw prices drop mainly as a result of special sales promotions while the food stuffs prices reduction can be attributed to seasonal price fluctuations.
The press release from the Swiss Federal Department of Statistics pertaining to these findings, as well as further information, can be found on their hompage.
