In December 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.7 percent compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate stood at 1.9 percent, according to the National Statistics Service (GeoStat).

Annual core inflation increased by 2.3 percent, with core inflation excluding tobacco also reaching 2.3 percent.

The monthly inflation rate was primarily influenced by price changes in several categories. Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw a price increase of 1.3 percent, contributing 0.46 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within this group, prices rose for vegetables (5.3 percent), oils and fats (3.0 percent), milk, cheese, and eggs (2.4 percent), coffee, tea, and cocoa (1.0 percent), meat (0.6 percent), and fish (0.5 percent). Conversely, prices decreased for fruits and grapes (-1.0 percent) and for mineral waters, soft drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices (-0.5 percent).

The health category saw a 1.4 percent price increase, contributing 0.14 percentage points to the overall index. Notably, medical products, appliances, and equipment increased by 2.2 percent.

In the transport sector, prices rose by 0.5 percent, contributing 0.06 percentage points to the overall index. Within this group, transport services and vehicle purchases each increased by 1.2 percent, while the operation of personal transport equipment rose by 0.2 percent.

In contrast, the clothing and footwear category experienced a 1.8 percent decrease in prices, contributing -0.07 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Prices for both footwear (-3.7 percent) and clothing (-1.1 percent) declined.