ZAGREB, 15 Nov (Hina) – In October 2024, consumer prices in Croatia were 2.2% higher compared to the same month last year and increased by an average of 1.1% compared to September 2024, the national statistical office (DZS) said on Friday. This marks an end to the months-long trend of slowing annual inflation.
The DZS released a second estimate of the consumer price index, confirming the preliminary figures published on 31 October.
After reaching 3.3% in May, inflation slowed to 2.4% in June, 2.2% in July, 1.8% in August, and 1.6% in September. However, the trend reversed in October.
On an annual basis, the highest increase in consumer prices was recorded in the restaurants and hotels category, which rose by 10.6%. Other increases include miscellaneous goods and services (+6.7%), education (+5.3%), health and recreation and culture: both +5.2%, food and non-alcoholic beverages (+4.8%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (+3.5%), furniture and household maintenance (+0.9%), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (+0.2%).
Declines were noted in communications (-6.3%), transport (-2.5%), clothing and footwear (-0.3%).
In the services sector, prices increased by 5.1% annually. Prices of food, beverages, and tobacco rose by 4.6%, while non-energy industrial goods saw a rise of 0.6%. Energy prices dropped by 4.5%.
On a monthly basis, the highest increase was in clothing and footwear, which rose by 10.5%. Other increases include education and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, both +1.8%, food and non-alcoholic beverages (+1.1%), miscellaneous goods and services (+0.7%).
Prices fell in communications (-2.5%), recreation and culture (-0.6%), restaurants and hotels (-0.3%), and transport (-0.2%).
Non-energy industrial goods rose by 2.7%, energy prices increased by 1.5%, food, beverages, and tobacco were up 1%.В Services prices decreased by 0.5%.
Inflation measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which aligns with EU standards, showed that prices of personal consumption goods and services increased by 0.8% compared to September 2024 and by 3.6% compared to October 2023.
