Inflation in Ukraine quickens to 2.2% in June as electricity charges soar more than 60%

MOSCOW. July 10 (Interfax) - Inflation in Ukraine quickened to 2.2% in June from 0.6% in May, 0.2% in April, 0.5% in March, 0.3% in February and 0.4% in January, Ukrainian media reported, citing the State Statistics Service.

Consumer prices rose 4.3% in January-June. Inflation for 12 months, July 2023 to June 2024, was 4.8%.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel charges went up 17.4% overall in June compared with May, due mainly to 63.6% growth for electricity charges.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 0.5% in price in June, the biggest increase being 15.5% for eggs. Prices rose 0.4%-3.2% for processed grain products, sugar, sunflower oil, fish and fish products, bread, pasta, soft drinks, rice, butter and vegetables. They fell 0.1%-2.6% for salo, milk, meat and meat products, fermented milk products and fruits.

Prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products increased by 1.1% last month.

Transport fares rose 0.8%, mainly due to 1.1% growth for rail fares.

The National Bank of Ukraine said in June that it was expecting inflation to accelerate moderately in the coming months and to be outside the 4%-6% range before the end of the year.

Inflation slowed to 5.1% in 2023 from 26.6% in 2022 and 10% in 2021.