Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) has published the "Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices" (HICP) in May 2021, with the base year 2015 = 100.

Monthly inflation measured by the harmonized index of consumer prices was (-0.2%) in May 2021.

The total harmonized index of consumer prices decreased by an average of (-0.2%) in May 2021, compared to the previous month, April 2021. This is mainly explained by the decrease in consumer prices in the COICOP subgroups: vegetables (-6.6%); alcoholic beverages (-1.0%); transport services (-2.2%) “decrease in air transport ticket prices”, with a common impact of these subgroups by (-0.3%) on the HICP.

While, an increase of prices is observed in the COICOP subgroups: oils and fats (3.2%); fruits (1.3%); fuels and lubricants for personal transport means (0.8%), with a combined impact of these subgroups by 0.1 per cent on the HICP.

The annual inflation rate measured in May 2021 with May 2020 was 2.0%.

The total harmonized index of consumer prices is higher at an average of 2.0% in May 2021, compared to May 2020. This is mainly explained by the increase in consumer prices in this period in the COICOP subgroups: bread and cereals (1.6%); edible oils and fats (23.2%); alcoholic beverages (1.8%); tobacco (4.5%); gas (6.4%); solid fuels, firewood, pellets, etc. (2.7%); household appliances (1.6%); pharmaceutical products (1.7%); fuels and lubricants for personal transport means (25.6%); telephone and fax services (20.3%); hotel services (1.0%); personal care (1.7%); and financial services (4.2%), with a combined impact of these subgroups of 2.7 percent on the HICP.

While, a decrease in prices is observed in the COICOP subgroups: milk, cheese and eggs (-1.3%); fruits (-16.1%); electricity (-10.6%) - (reduction of electricity price has come from the implementation of the Law on Economic Recovery, Covid -19, No. 07/L-016, Article 15, for the period January-May 2021); telephone and fax equipment (-4.0%), with a combined impact of these subgroups by (-0.7%) on the HICP.