PRODUCTION PRICES IN JULY RISE BY 0.9 PER CENT

ZAGREB, Aug 6 (Hina) - The production prices of industrial products in Croatia in July increased by 0.9 per cent in relation to the month before and 2.7 per cent in comparison to the same month last year. Compared to the first seven months of 1998, prices in the first seven months of 1999 increased by 1.1 per cent, the State Bureau for Statistics reported. In relation to June this year, the prices of electricity and non- durable consumer goods in July increased by 1.1 per cent; the prices of intermediary and capital goods rose by 0.7 per cent, whereas the prices of durable consumer goods rose by 0.3 per cent. Increases were reported in the production of tobacco (14.8%), extraction of crude oil and earth gas (3.1%), chemicals (2.3%), radio and television and communication devices and equipment (1.9%), and oil products (1.4%). Price increases were also reported in the production of machines and appliances, rubber and plastic goods, metal, other non-metal mineral products, footwear, and fur finishing and dying. Price decreases were reported in the manufacturing of leather, accessories and footwear (3.3.%), extraction of other minerals and stone (3.1%), production of optical instruments and watches (2.9%), and wood and wood products, not including furniture (0.5%). (hina) rml