The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) has insisted once again that price movements are not being caused by euro adoption.

The union said that the results of a survey of 200 products and services conducted in December showed that in 81 percent of cases there were no price movements.

Prices dropped in six percent of cases while there were increases in the remaining 13 percent.

The increase in prices ranged from 2 to 14 percent but the price of one dairy product rose by 17 percent.

The union said half the price increases applied to a particular establishment and therefore deserved further analysis. That analysis will be made by a committee which includes representatives of the UHM, the GRTU and the Finance Ministry.

UHM general secretary Gejtu Vella said the results corresponded with findings from a survey in October. He pointed out that the increase in the international price of cereals was causing upward pressure on food prices. The increase in oil prices was also having an impact.