Thuringia's Consumers Face Higher Living Costs in October
In October 2023, Thuringian consumers saw a 4.0% increase in their living expenses compared to the same period last year. According to data released by the State Statistical Office in Erfurt, this rise was primarily driven by food and services, with energy costs playing a less significant role. In fact, the inflation rate for the state dropped slightly from 4.9% in September to 4.0% in October.
The priciest items for the State Statistical Office's mystery shoppers were alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, which saw a 9.3% increase. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also became more expensive, rising by 6.7%. Consumers were hit hardest in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, where prices for dining and hotels rose by an average of 6.9%.
In contrast, energy and fuel costs saw minimal growth, with prices for electricity, gas, and fuel oil all either remaining stable or decreasing. The only exception was passenger transport, which saw a significant drop in prices due to the 49-euro ticket.
Despite the decline in energy costs, food and service prices continued to climb, resulting in a 4.0% rise in overall living expenses. Of particular concern was the 6.7% increase in food prices and the 6.9% increase in restaurant and hotel expenses.
Note: The specific factors contributing to inflation in Thuringia's food and service sectors, such as global supply chain disruptions, local scarcities, and economic policy changes, were not explicitly detailed in the original sources.
Sources:
Enrichment Data Insights:
- Food Inflation: Recent OECD Economic Surveys for Poland (2025) suggest that food and energy inflation moderated since mid-2023, supporting economic growth. However, the withdrawal of support measures has pushed headline inflation back up, with core inflation persisting due to a tight labor market and strong wage growth.
- Service Inflation: Lacking specific data on Thuringia, general economic conditions in Germany, such as the rise in cash-in-hand work and economic instability, might indirectly influence service sector prices.
- Overall Inflation Trends: The OECD report indicates that headline inflation in Poland has fallen sharply from its peak but has risen again and remains above target. It is projected to rise to 5% in 2025 and decrease to 3.9% in 2026.
- Tax and Economic Policies: The 2024 CO2 levy increase from €30 to €45 per ton of CO2 emitted could contribute to higher prices in various sectors, including services and possibly food if related to transportation costs.
