RAMALLAH, Sunday, July 21, 2024 (WAFA) – A significant rise in wholesale prices in Palestine was registered during the second quarter of 2024, marking a 6.26% increase compared to the first quarter of the year, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

This surge primarily affected locally produced and consumed goods, which saw a 14.73% increase, while imported goods experienced a 2.73% rise.

The impact of Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7, 2023, was cited as the major driver behind the continued price hikes in the current quarter. Wholesale prices for goods in the wholesale trade sector, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, rose by 6.98%. This sector constitutes 89% of wholesale trade.

The PCBS statistics highlighted specific increases in various wholesale categories: solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels and related products rose by 26.86%, live animals by 22.00%, fish, meat, and their products by 17.98%, pharmaceutical and medicinal products by 7.41%, metals and metal ores by 4.32%, waste and scrap and other unspecified products by 2.90%, coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices by 2.79%, textiles, clothing, and footwear by 1.78%, building materials, plumbing, heating equipment, and supplies by 1.72%, dairy and egg products by 1.59%, and sugar, chocolate, confectionery, and bakery products by 1.10%.

Meantime, wholesale prices decreased for certain categories: non-specialized wholesale trade by 4.10% and animal and vegetable oils and fats by 2.31%.

Simultaneously, the wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector saw a slight decrease of 0.31%, accounting for 11% of wholesale trade. Prices for motor vehicle parts and accessories dropped by 1.23%, while motor vehicles themselves experienced a minor decline of 0.09%.

M.N