The biggest downward pressure on the CPI came from prices of transport (-0.8 percent compared to a flat reading in September), namely fuels and lubricants and air transport of passengers; and recreation and culture (-0.2 percent compared to 0.1 percent), namely tourist packages. On the other hand, the highest upward pressure came from cost of housing (-3.9 percent compared to -4.8 percent), due to a rise in electricity cost; and food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.2 percent compared to 0.9 percent), mainly fruits.
Annual core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as unprocessed food and energy, remained at 1 percent, the same as in September and the highest level in a year.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices jumped 1 percent after a flat reading in September. It is the highest monthly rate in six months, mainly boosted by cost of clothing and footwear (11.2 percent) as the new winter season started; food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.5 percent); and housing (1.1 percent).
The EU-harmonised index increased 0.2 percent over a year earlier, the same as in September, and rose 0.7 percent from the previous month (vs 0.4 percent in September).