Fuel and electronic goods
prices fell while fruit and vegetable prices rose in 2015,
according to research released Tuesday by CGIA Mestre, which
represents small and medium-sized businesses.
The report pointed to steep drops in prices for methane gas
(-17.8%), car diesel fuel (-12.3%), heating gas (-11.8%),
computers and tablets (-11.7%), cell phones (-10.1%), and car
petrol (-9,8%).
At the same time, drought on the production end drove up
the prices of oranges (+10.8%), vegetables (+9,7%), berries
(+8.9%), other citrus fruits (+7.4%) and olive oil (+6.1%).
Families spent more on fruits and vegetables (an average of
97.40 euros a month) than on meat (97.20 euros a month).
This was due to summer heat, and healthier Italian eating
habits, with spending on animal protein falling steadily since
2011, the CGIA report said.
However speculation by intermediaries in a highly
fragmented distribution system also drove prices up 500% in some
cases, CGIA said.
Prices this year fell in three out of 12 spending sectors,
according to the CGIA Mestre report.
Transportation prices fell 2.6%, communications fell 1.3%,
and the aggregate of housing, electricity and fuel fell 0.9%.
Hotel and restaurant prices added 1.2%, education rose
1.8%, and alcohol and tobacco rose 2.7%, the report said.
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