'Geum Sagwa·Geum Ddalgi'... Consumer Prices in the 3% Range for 5 Consecutive Months

Consumer prices in December rose by 3.2% compared to the same month last year. This marks the fifth consecutive month maintaining a 3% range. The increase in prices of fruits such as apples and strawberries significantly drove up the fresh food index.

Statistics Korea announced on the 29th that the consumer price index in December showed no change compared to the previous month but rose by 3.2% compared to the same month last year.

The fresh food index increased by 2.1% compared to the previous month and by 14.5% compared to the same month last year, pushing prices higher. This is the highest increase in 16 months since May of last year.

In particular, the rise in fruit and vegetable prices had a significant impact on overall prices. Fresh vegetables rose by 12.0% compared to the same month last year, and fresh fruits increased by as much as 26.1%. By item, apples rose 54.4%, tomatoes 45.8%, strawberries 23.2%, green onions 45.6%, rice 10.4%, tangerines 20.9%, grapes 17.8%, and pears 33.2%.

The living expenses index fell by 0.3% compared to the previous month but rose by 3.7% compared to the same month last year.

The index excluding food and energy rose by 0.2% compared to the previous month and by 2.8% compared to the same month last year, while the index excluding agricultural products and petroleum products rose by 0.2% compared to the previous month and by 3.1% compared to the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the average diesel price at gas stations nationwide fell to the 1,400 won per liter range for the first time in five months, with diesel prices dropping 14.5% compared to the same month last year.