Republic

Belarus inflation as large as 2.6% in January-February

In February 2007, the consumer price index in Belarus amounted to 102.6% as against December 2006. In comparison with January 2007 the prices in February 2007 went up by 0.8%, BelTA learnt from the ministry of statistics and analysis. In January-February 2006 the inflation in Belarus stood at 1.5%. Since early this year the monthly average inflation has totalled 1.3% with this year’s target set at 0.5-0.6%. Let us remind you, in line with the 2007 major national monetary management guidelines the annual inflation is expected to vary between 6% and 8%. According to the ministry of statistics and analysis, in February the food price index totalled 101.9% as against December 2006 and 100.9% as against January 2007. Last month prices set by catering companies gained 1.5% and 3.7% in comparison with December 2006. Prices for non-foods upped by 0.5% in February 2007, 1.2% up on December 2006. Prices for chargeable services sold to individuals increased by 1% in February 2007, 6.1% up since December 2006. Since early this year prices for heating, hairdressing and medical services were the fastest ones to grow. The Belarusian industrial price index in February 2007 amounted to 113.5% as against December 2006 and 100.8% as against January 2007. The price index of intermediates totalled 100.9%, producers' goods and consumer goods — 100.7%. The fastest price growth was observed in the chemical industry. According to the ministry of statistics and analysis, in February prices for construction and installation works increased by 1.6% up on early this year and 1% up on January 2007. Last month cargo transportation tariffs went up by 0.2%, 5.8% up since December 2006.