The index of industrial producer prices on the domestic market in March 2008 increased 15.4 per cent from March 2007, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) said on Tuesday.

The index marked a 2.7 per cent increase compared to the previous month. In the processing industry prices grew by 3.4 per cent as from February 2008. Most tangible was the increase in metal casting - by 7.3 per cent, followed by the production of electric machines and equipment, woodwork - by 3.4 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively. Foodstuffs marked a 1.1 per cent increase.

Home market prices in the processing industry increased by 18.2 per cent year-on-year. The appreciation of foodstuffs and drinks was most tangible - by 23.2 per cent.

The overall producer price index was 2.5 per cent up compared to the previous month. The increase in the processing industry was 3.3 per cent. Prices of food and drinks went up 1.1 per cent, of metal casting 6.4 per cent and of woodwork 3.2 per cent.

The overall producer price index increased by 15.3 per cent as from March 2007. In the processing industry producer prices increased by 16.9 per cent. Prices of consumer products went up 9.6 per cent and of investment products 5 per cent. Energy products appreciated by 26.4 per cent year-on-year.