Statistics: Sharp rise in wholesale price index since October 7

Ramallah - Ma'an - The general index of wholesale prices in Palestine recorded a sharp increase of 6.26% during the second quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of the year, by 14.73% for locally produced and consumed goods, and by 2.73% for imported goods. The Central Bureau of Statistics explained in a statement issued today, Sunday, that the Israeli occupation's aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, had the greatest impact on the continued rise in commodity prices during the second quarter of this year, as wholesale prices of goods within the wholesale trade section, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, rose by 6.98%, which constitutes 89% of wholesale trade. The statement indicated an increase in wholesale prices for a group of categories as follows: the sale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products by 26.86%, live animals by 22.00%, fish, meat and their products by 17.98%, pharmaceuticals and medicine by 7.41%, metals and metal ores by 4.32%, waste, scrap and o ther products not classified elsewhere by 2.90%, coffee, tea, cocoa and spices by 2.79%, textiles, clothing and footwear by 1.78%, building materials, appliances, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies by 1.72%, dairy products and eggs by 1.59%, sugar, chocolate, sugar products and bakery products by 1.10%. In contrast, wholesale prices for a group of categories decreased as follows: non-specialized wholesale trade by 4.10%, and animal and vegetable oils and fats by 2.31%. The wholesale and retail trade (retail) and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles section recorded a decrease of 0.31%, which constitutes 11% of wholesale trade, as the prices of spare parts and accessories for motor vehicles decreased by 1.23%, and motor vehicles decreased slightly by 0.09%. Source: Maan News Agency