Kosovo’s harmonised consumer price index (HICP) increased by 7.5% year-on-year in April (chart), accelerating inflationary pressures across several key sectors of the economy, the statistics office said on May 12. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 1.1% in April compared to March.

The annual increase was mainly driven by higher prices in transport, which surged by 16.1%, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels with a 15.2% increase.

Other categories that recorded notable price growth included restaurants and accommodation services, up 5.8%, food and non-alcoholic beverages, up 5.6%, and alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, which rose by 5.1%.

Prices also increased in health services by 4.7%, personal care and social protection by 3.6%, furniture and household maintenance by 3.1%, recreation and culture by 3.0%, and clothing and footwear by 2.3%.

Meanwhile, prices declined slightly in information and communication by 0.2% and in education by 0.6%.

Monthly inflation in April was primarily driven by transport prices, which increased by 4.9%, as well as higher prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, which rose by 1.2%.

The latest figures indicate that transport and energy-related costs continued to be the main drivers of inflation in Kosovo during April.