In May this year the index of wholesale trade selling prices was down by 8.9% on May 2008. This was the sharpest year-to-year drop since December 1986, according to the Federal Statistical Office. In April and May 2009 prices had dropped by 8.1 % and 8.0 % respectively. From April to May this year wholesale trade prices increased slightly by 0.1 %.
Wholesale prices for ores, metals and semi-finished metal products were 28.5% lower in May this year than in May last year. On April this year these were down by 1.0 %. Prices for solid fuels and mineral oil products changed by -23.0 % and +0.5 % respectively (these had increased by +3.0 % from March to April this year).
Prices for grain, seeds and fodder fell by 34.5% as compared to May last year, but increased by 3.0% on April this year.
For milk, dairy products, eggs, cooking oil and edible fats prices were down by 6.5% on May 2008 and down by 2.7% on April 2009. For fruits, vegetables and potatoes price changes were -7.9 % and -3.6 % respectively. 