What did the Retail Price Index show?
The authors of the report drew attention to the large differences in price dynamics of individual product categories making up the model basket of basic necessities. In August, the difference between the highest increase and the largest decrease was 22.1 percentage points.
Of the 17 most common product categories, the price of household chemicals increased the most year on year - by 6.7%. Prices of pet food increased on average by 5.7 percent, non-alcoholic beverages by 5.1 percent, children's products by 4.7 percent, and sweets and desserts by 4.2 percent.
In July, the price of non-alcoholic drinks increased the most year on year - by 5.6%. The price of household chemicals increased by 5.4 percent, bread - 5.2 percent, sweets and desserts - 5.1 percent, and by 3.9 percent. prices of personal hygiene products have increased. Pet food prices increased by 3.8%. In turn, Art. for children decreased by 2.7% in July.
August changes in price dynamics show clear polarization on store shelves. While the entire retail basket is slowing down, selected categories are accelerating. This discrepancy results from the clash of rigid production costs with flexible promotional strategies of retail chains - noted Prof. Sławomir Jankiewicz from WSB Merito University.
Fuel prices and the deposit system matter
Why are these particular product categories more expensive and not other categories? The expert points out that household chemicals, animal feed and drinks are heavy and have a significant volume. The costs of their transport burden the final margin, meanwhile in August fuel prices increased by as much as 24.2%. year to year. In addition, there are high operating and processing costs, Jankiewicz noted.
A special situation also applies to drinks. There are no price reductions due to the sugar levy and trade infrastructure investments in the deposit system.
The segment of pet food producers incurs higher expenses related to new environmental regulations regarding packaging and carbon footprint, Jankiewicz noted.
According to the data presented in the report, the price of personal hygiene products increased by 3.4% in August year-on-year, fish by 2.9% and bread by 2.8%. In July, these product categories also increased in price by: 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively. and 5.2 percent In the opinion of Dr. Artur Fiks from the WSB Merito University, the slowdown in the dynamics of bread prices could be related to the stabilization of production costs.
In the case of bread, the holiday season and a drop in demand were also important. The increase in demand was significant in other categories.
Personal hygiene products have become more expensive due to the fact that we use much more of them during hot weather. In turn, fish is commonly eaten by tourists during holidays, among others. in seaside towns – noted Fiks.
In August, year-on-year prices also increased slightly - by 1.7 percent, meat - by 1.4 percent, vegetables by - 0.8 percent, and cold meats - by 0.6 percent.
Oils, butter, margarine cheaper than a year ago
