Estonia's Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi has voiced his disappointment regarding the delay in the publication of consumer price index data calculated with a new methodology. This news comes as a second postponement of the January data release, which was anticipated to improve the accuracy of pricing statistics. Ligi highlighted the important role this data plays in understanding economic conditions, particularly in relation to rapidly changing energy prices and how they are measured in consumer reports.

Ligi emphasized that the Statistics Office must provide explanations for the ongoing technical challenges that have prevented the timely release of these important statistics. He pointed out that the expectation was that the new methodology would enhance how electricity prices, which have been volatile, are reported, especially since many consumers are on fixed contracts. The reference to wholesale prices alone has contributed to confusion and panic among the public regarding their actual spending on energy.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister noted that significant shifts in discount prices offered by retailers have also complicated the measurement of the index. With store chains dealing with increasing discount levels, the methodology was expected to adapt to these market changes. The postponement underscores the need for responsive statistical practices to reflect the current economic realities faced by consumers in Estonia, further driving home the importance of accurate and timely economic data for both policymakers and the public.