Belarus had 0.9% inflation in Dec, annual figure 5.8%

MINSK. Jan 11 (Interfax) - Consumer prices in Belarus rose 0.9% in December after increasing 0.7% in November, 0.6% in October and 0.7% in September, national statistics agency Belstat said.

Annual inflation compared with the same month in 2022 was 5.8% in December, up from 5.4% in November, 3.7% in October and 2% in September.

Core inflation was 0.3% in December and 3.8% for the year.

Food prices rose 1.5% in December and 6.8% in the year, non-food prices rose 0.1% and 2.9% and service charges rose 0.8% and 8.1%.

Prices rose 12.8% in 2022, the most for six years, and 10% in 2021. The government is targeting inflation to slow to 7%-8% in 2023 and not more than 6% in 2024.

Belarus maintains stringent regulation of prices for almost all goods in the consumer basket, both domestic and imported, as well as for basic services.