The Statistics Office of Estonia is preparing to attempt for the third time to publish the consumer price index (CPI) for January. The new methodology, which takes into account more discounted prices for food products, was introduced at the beginning of the year. Initially, the CPI was scheduled to be released on January 6; however, this was postponed to February 9 due to delays in data preparation and calculation.

Urmet Lee, the director of the Statistics Office, acknowledged that the implementation of the new methodology has been more complex and time-consuming than expected. Following another delay, the new release date is set for February 16, where the latest consumer price index data is hoped to be made public. This series of postponements raises concerns about the reliability and timeliness of economic indicators, particularly in an environment where consumers are sensitive to price changes.

The recurring issues surrounding the publication of the CPI highlight the challenges faced by statistical agencies in adapting to new methodologies while maintaining accurate and prompt reporting. For consumers, the timely release of this data is crucial for understanding economic conditions and for making informed decisions regarding spending. The Statistics Office's ability to successfully publish the CPI on February 16 will be watched closely by stakeholders across Estonia.