Consumer prices increased by 8.6% in September, compared to the same period last year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the price hikes were driven by the increase in prices for services, non-food goods, and food products, reports IPN.

According to BNS, in the last 12 months, the highest price increases have been recorded in services provided to the population – with about 13%, followed by non-food goods – with 9% and food products – with just over 5%.

In the food products, the most significant price increases were recorded for vegetables – by 8%, fruits – by about 7%, as well as for milk and dairy products and wheat flour bread – each by approximately 6%.

In the case of non-food goods, fuels and combustibles have become 34.5% more expensive within a year. The highest increases were recorded in diesel – with over 76%, gasoline – with over 42%, coal – with 33% and liquefied gases – with 22%.

In services, passenger transportation has become approximately 30% more expensive, electricity – about 24% more, natural gas – over 21% more, and water supply and sewerage services – over 12% more.

At the regional level, the highest annual inflation was recorded in the southern part of the country and in the municipality of Chisinau, where it reached about 9%. In the northern part of the country, inflation was 8.5%, and in the central region – just over 8%.