Prices remain constant in May

Purchasing did not become more expensive for Saxons in May compared to the previous month. Compared to April, average consumer prices remained constant, according to preliminary data from the State Statistical Office. This was last the case almost three years ago in June 2022.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw a small decrease of 0.1 percent. This was particularly noticeable for fresh vegetables (excluding potatoes), which were 10.6% cheaper than in April. Coffee, on the other hand, was 5.4 percent more expensive and prices were almost a quarter higher than last year. There was also an increase in alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (up 0.9 percent compared to April), although beer prices were slightly lower (down 0.1 percent).

Prices 2.3 percent higher than in May 2024

The year-on-year comparison is different: Prices are expected to have risen by an average of 2.3 percent. Since May 2024, food and non-alcoholic beverages have become 3.2% more expensive, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco products have risen by 4.1%. Consumers also had to dig deeper into their pockets in the education sector (4.5 percent) and for restaurant and accommodation services (4.1 percent). The price of plants and flowers rose by 7.1 percent at the start of the gardening season.

In contrast, there was some relief in energy prices. Prices fell by 6 percent for fuel, 11.0 percent for heating oil (including operating costs) and 6.5 percent for electricity.