The Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) increased 1.6%, mainly as a result of higher prices for crude energy products.

The IPPI rose for the eighth consecutive month, up 0.6% in April following a 0.8% increase in March. Of the 21 major commodity groups, 14 were up, 3 were down and 4 were unchanged.

The growth in the IPPI was mostly attributable to higher prices for energy and petroleum products (+2.9%). The gain in this commodity group was mainly due to higher prices for motor gasoline (+5.8%), which posted its largest increase since December 2016. Higher prices for light fuel oil (+2.4%), lubricants and other petroleum refinery products (+1.9%), and asphalt (except natural) and asphalt products (+2.3%) also contributed to the increase, but to a lesser extent. The IPPI excluding energy and petroleum products rose 0.3%.