The prices of electricity, gas and heating paid by Romanian companies surged by 180% over the past 12 months as of March, which pushed up the overall industrial prices (factory-gate prices) by 52%, the statistics office INS announced.

Industrial price inflation accelerated faster than expected in March after it had calmed down in February, which may result in further deterioration in analysts’ expectations.

After the 8.6% monthly leap in January (when the prices of gas, electricity and heating surged by 24%), the industrial prices advanced by another 7% in March as the average price of electricity, gas and heating rose by 16%.

The prices of consumer goods (durable or non-durable) have increased at a much slower rate: by 16.9% and 11.9%, respectively. However, the prices of intermediary goods have advanced by 32.4% over the past 12 months, which creates significant pressure on the costs of final goods.

iulian@romania-insider.com

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