The figures are seasonally and working-day adjusted, INS said in a statement.
In July alone the retail sales index was 2.2% higher than in June but was 13.8% lower on the year.
Details follow (year-on-year index pct change):
Jan-July'09 | July'09 | |
Retail sales | -10.4 | -13.8 |
-- Food sales | -2.0 | -17.0 |
-- Non-food sales | -9.0 | -12.3 |
-- Fuel sales | -18.0 | -21.4 |
Vehicle sales | -36.9 | -42.6 |
Services sales | -12.1 | -20.1 |
NOTE: Vehicle sales include sales of passenger cars and other motor vehicles, as well as maintenance and repair revenue.
Romania's retail sales index increased by 13% in 2008, compared to a 17.8% rise in 2007.