In Hesse, consumer prices have risen by almost ten percent on average over the past twelve months, more than ever before.

The State Statistical Office determined an inflation rate of 9.9 percent for October.

That's more than even in the 1970s, when the oil crises made prices significantly higher.

In September, the rate was still 9.4 percent.

Falk Heunemann

Business editor in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung.

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The main causes of the strong inflation are still the energy prices as a result of the Ukraine war.

Natural gas alone costs consumers 111 percent more than in October 2021, and heating oil and wood pellets have become almost 80 percent more expensive since then.

Electricity costs, on the other hand, are not a major burden for many consumers; the statisticians calculated a comparatively low price increase of 8.9 percent year-on-year.

The main reason for this is probably that many electricity customers have received price guarantees from their suppliers until the end of the year.

So there is an increase in price before them.

Butter and bread more expensive, fruit and internet not

Because of the higher energy costs, the Hessians also have to pay significantly more for numerous other products and services.

For stoves, for example, a quarter more is being asked than a year ago.

Homeowners apparently see them as a safeguard against high gas costs or even a potential gas shortage.

But groceries have also become more expensive since October 2021, partly as a result of increased transport costs.

19.0 percent to.

You now have to pay above-average prices for edible fats and oils, butter, dairy products, meat, bread and baked goods.

The prices for fruit and alcohol, on the other hand, have remained relatively constant.

Citizens currently do not have to pay any more for healthcare than they did a year ago, and the costs for internet, telephone and postal services have fallen very slightly on average.

Rent cold almost constant

The net cold rents have also remained little changed.

Tenants still have to pay significantly more than in 2021 because their heating costs (including hot water) have increased significantly.

At just under a third, housing costs make up the largest block in the statistical basket used to calculate the inflation rate. The areas of transport and leisure, including holidays, are also heavily weighted in this.

Groceries make up almost ten percent of the shopping basket.

The statistical shopping basket is an arithmetical value in order to be able to depict the general price development across all product groups.

Depending on their income and consumer behavior, consumers feel the consequences of inflation more or less.