18 July 2006
Official statisticians report inflation rate of 3.1 percent in first half of 2006

The Ministry of Statistics and Analysis reported an inflation rate of 3.1 percent in Belarus in the first six months of 2006.
Consumer prices rose by 0.2 percent in June.

The government projects the annual inflation rate to be at seven to nine percent at the end of the year.

Foodstuffs increased in price by three percent and the price of non-food goods rose by 1.5 percent in the period under review.

Consumer services fees rose by 4.9 percent on the average, with fees for housing maintenance and healthcare services rising at the highest pace, according to the ministry.

Industrial prices went up by 4.2 percent and freight transportation rates rose by 5.8 percent in the first six months. //BelaPAN