Main functions and tasks of “Consumer price statistics and Purchasing Power Parities” Department are fulfilled in three domains:

• Statistics of consumer prices;

• Statistics of market prices of dwellings;

• European Comparison Programme (ECP) and Purchasing Power Parities (PPP).

Under the Statistics of consumer prices domain the purpose of the Department is to construct, produce and disseminate the national Consumer Prices Indices (CPI); the Harmonized Indices of Consumer Prices (HICP) and the Price Indices of a Small Basket (PISB). The specific functions and tasks within the domain are:

• Elaborate and develop a methodology and instruments for the statistical survey of consumer prices and methods to calculate indices that measure consumer prices changes in compliance with the Eurostat’s requirements.

• Organize and conduct the statistical survey of consumer prices, carry out data processing, production and dissemination of statistical information on consumer price indices and inflation.

• Work out analysis in the field of consumer price statistics.

• Prepare informational materials for statistical publications, the website of NSI in the Internet, public user services and requirements of state authorities, as well as informational demands following international terms of agreement.

• Take part in elaboration, maintenance and updating the statistical classifications used for the purpose of consumer price statistics.

• Participate in the activities of working groups, national and international meetings and seminars concerning consumer price statistics.

Under the Statistics of market prices of dwellings domain the purpose of the Department is to construct, produce and disseminate quarterly indices of market prices of dwellings. The specific functions and tasks within the domain are:

• Elaborate and develop a methodology and instruments for the statistical survey of market prices of dwellings and methods to calculate indices that measure price changes of dwellings in compliance with the international standards.

• Organize data compiling and data processing of statistical information on the market prices of dwellings.

• Produce, analyze and supply statistical information on the market prices of dwellings.

Within the field of European Comparison Programme (ECP) and Purchasing Power parities (PPP) the functions and tasks of the Department are to carry out the following activities:

• Methodological leadership and co-ordination of the work on preparation of national statistical information for international comparisons of PPPs, relative price levels and macroeconomic indicators in performing the European Comparisons Program (ECP).

• Pre-survey and survey work on specific price collections within ECP partner countries, RSO and external experts.

• Co-ordinates the preparation and transmission to Eurostat of standard questionnaires, filled by different statistical departments at NSI used for European comparisons.

• Validates and approves the ECP results in order to be published in regular statistical issues of the NSI and its website, after their official release by Eurostat or OECD.

• Co-ordinates and supports the work of Eurostat/OECD on rental data collection in Real Estate Agencies used for correction coefficients estimates according to Staff Regulations.

• Conducts workshops and qualification training for the staff involved in PPP work.

• Being a member of Eurostat’s Working Party PPP and WP Article 64 of Staff Regulations, participates in preparation of programs, strategies, regulations etc. Following the harmonization of European statistical standards.

• Collaborates in international co-operation for actions planned by NSI, Eurostat/OECD and UN ECE.