25.04.2013
Belarus’ Economy Ministry expects inflation under 1% in April
MINSK, 25 April (BelTA) – The Economy Ministry of Belarus expects the inflation under 1% in April, Deputy Economy Minister Alexander Yaroshenko told media on 25 April.
Inflation in Belarus made up 1.1% in March 2013, 1.2% in February and 3% in January. “We expect that in April the rate of inflation will be lower than that in March. The first weeks of April testify to the fact,” Alexander Yaroshenko said.
In January-March 2013 the inflation stood at 5.4%. According to the Deputy Minister, almost half of the inflation rate for the three months (2.6%) was due to the changes in the tax policy. “Tax relief on telecommunication services was abolished, and the excise taxes on alcoholic beverages were raised,” he said. The excise tax on liquor products was some of the most inflationary factors, he said. “We must understand that this inflation was due to the changes in the legislation, and due to the measures we had to take to honor our SES commitments in part of harmonization of our pricing policies with Russia and Kazakhstan,” said Alexander Yaroshenko.
Inflation in Belarus made up 1.1% in March 2013, 1.2% in February and 3% in January. “We expect that in April the rate of inflation will be lower than that in March. The first weeks of April testify to the fact,” Alexander Yaroshenko said.
In January-March 2013 the inflation stood at 5.4%. According to the Deputy Minister, almost half of the inflation rate for the three months (2.6%) was due to the changes in the tax policy. “Tax relief on telecommunication services was abolished, and the excise taxes on alcoholic beverages were raised,” he said. The excise tax on liquor products was some of the most inflationary factors, he said. “We must understand that this inflation was due to the changes in the legislation, and due to the measures we had to take to honor our SES commitments in part of harmonization of our pricing policies with Russia and Kazakhstan,” said Alexander Yaroshenko.