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In February 2020 the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices increased by 1,0% compared to the index of February 2019 while, when compared to the index of January 2020, the HICP increased by 0,2%. For the period January – February 2020 the HICP recorded an increase of 0,9% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. (Table 1)

Note: The HICP in Euro area for the last month is based on EUROSTAT’s estimation (flash estimate).

Compared to February 2019, the categories Communication and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels recorded the largest positive changes with percentages of 4,1% and 3,5% respectively. The largest negative change was observed in category Clothing and Footwear with percentage -4,2%. (Table 1)

Compared to January 2020, the largest change was recorded in the category Clothing and Footwear (4,7%). (Table 1)

For the period January – February 2020, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, the largest positive change was noted in Communication (3,7%), whereas the largest negative change was recorded in Clothing and Footwear(-3,5%). (Table 1)

As regards the economic origin, the largest change when compared to the index of February 2019 was observed in the category Energy (6,5%), whereas when compared to the index of the previous month the largest change was noted in the category Non Energy Industrial Goods(1,1%). (Table 2)

Methodological notes

Definitions

The Harmonized Price Index (HICP) is an economic indicator constructed to measure the changes of prices over time of consumer goods and services acquired, used or paid by households and tourists within the economic territory of the country. The HICP is calculated according to a harmonized approach and methodology laid down by a series of regulations of EU.

The Annual change shows the change of the HICP when compared with the index of the corresponding month of the previous year.

Products/Services

From January 2018 and onwards, the products included in the HICP have been revised. The revision was based on the results of the Household Budget Survey 2015/2016.

Collection

The price collection is carried out only in urban districts of Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. For each city, the fluctuations in the product prices each month are weighted according to their population. Specifically, the weights for the four districts are: Lefkosia 42%, Lemesos 30%, Larnaka 18% and Pafos 10%.

The prices of 805 goods and services are recorded once every month, except for some seasonal products (e.g. vegetables and fruits), meat and fuels, whose prices are collected every week (every Thursday). The collected prices are those actually paid by consumers for the purchase of specific goods and services, and they include various taxes, such as the Value Added Tax and excise duties. For the calculation of the Index end-of-season sales prices are taken into account as well as special offer prices which are available for the general public and have no restrictions.

Weights

The weight of the HICP goods and services are calculated based on consumption expenditure (of both households and tourists) incurred in the economic territory of the country. Up to 2011, the main source for the consumption expenditures was the Household Budget Survey, while from 2012 and onwards, data from the National Accounts are utilized satisfying relevant Eurostat’s Regulation (No 1114/2010).

Base year

The index reference period was 2005=100 for the period between January 2006 and December 2015. From January 2016 and onwards, the base year is 2015=100.

Classification                                                                                                                 

Until December 2015, COICOP 4 classification was used for the calculation and the dissemination of the HICP. From January 2016 and onwards, CYSTAT is adopting the ECOICOP classification satisfying relevant Eurostat’s Regulation. In other words, the lowest level of detail for the classification used in CPI is COICOP 5-digits.

With the publication of February 2019, CYSTAT is publishing HICP special aggregates (economic origin) compiled from more detailed input data.

For further information visit theStatistical Service (CYSTAT) website, subtheme Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices or contact Ms Constandia Papageorgiou: tel: +35722602116, email: cpapageorgiou@cystat.mof.gov.cy or Ms Andri Eftychiou: tel: +35725878595, email: aeftychiou@cystat.mof.gov.cy

(EK/SCH)