The statement adds that retail prices increased by 0.8% and services by 0.5%, whereas retail prices increased by 1.6% compared to the 2007 average.
Living costs in February increased by 0.6% on average compared to January, whereas the increase stands at 1.4% compared to December 2007.
The difference between the retail price index and the consumer price index was a result of the various influences that the rise in prices of particular items had on these indices.
By groups, compared with the previous month, the prices of agricultural products went up by 2.5%. The increase was due to the hike in the price of eggs, fruit and vegetables, whereas the price of fish decreased.
The price of food products are up by 0.8% on average and the greatest increase was recorded in the price of flour, pasta and bread, milk and dairy products, processed and frozen fruits.
The prices of beverages went up by 1.2% on average, while tobacco prices remained the same.
Industrial non-food products went up by 0.7% on average. In this group, the price of oil derivatives increased, whereas other products did not change significantly.
The price of services increased by 0.5% on average.