Bulgaria among EU countries with highest increase in industrial producer prices
In April 2010 compared with March 2010, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.9 per cent in the 16-member euro zone and by one per cent across the 27 member states of the European Union, with Bulgaria - at 1.9 per cent - showing one of the highest increases, EU statistics office Eurostat said on June 2 2010. In March, prices increased by 0.6 per cent in the euro zone and 0.8 per cent in the EU. In April 2010 compared with April 2009, industrial producer prices gained 2.8 per cent in the euro area and 3.7 per cent in the EU27. Monthly changes In April 2010, compared with the previous month, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector increased by 0.5 per cent in the euro area and by 0.6 per cent in the EU27. Prices in the energy sector rose by 1.9 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively. Intermediate goods gained 1.3 per cent in both zones. Durable consumer goods increased by 0.1 per cent in the euro area and by 0.3 per cent in the EU27. Non-durable consumer goods rose by 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively.Capital goods remained stable in the euro area and gained 0.2 per cent in the EU27.Eurostat said that among EU member states for which data are available, the highest increases in the total index were recorded in Hungary (three per cent), Latvia (2.8 per cent), Bulgaria (+1.9 per cent) and Greece (+1.4 per cent). The only decrease was observed in Sweden (-0.4 per cent), while the index remained stable in Malta.Annual changes In April 2010, compared with April 2009, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector increased by one per cent in the euro area and by 1.1 per cent in the EU27, according to Eurostat. Prices in the energy sector rose by 7.7 per cent and 10.2 per cent., respectively. Intermediate goods gained 2.7 per cent in the euro area and 2.6 per cent in the EU27. Durable consumer goods increased by 0.4 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively. Capital goods fell by 0.1 per cent in the euro zone, but rose by 0.1 per cent in the EU27. Non-durable consumer goods declined by 0.4 per cent and 0.1 per cent, respectively.Among member states for which data are available, Eurostat said, the largest increases in the total index were observed in Malta (16.7 per cent), Greece (9.1 per cent), the United Kingdom (8.5 per cent) and Denmark (6.6 per cent).The only decreases were observed in Latvia and Slovakia (both -4.5%).