Ukrainian sees deflation of 0.2% in Aug, inflation of 8.2% in eight months
KYIV. Sept 7 (Interfax) - Ukraine had inflation of 8.2% in January-August 2009, the State Statistics Committee said.
Inflation was 14.8% in the first eight months of 2008.
Consumer prices fell 0.2% in August 2009 following a 0.1% decline in July. Prices rose 1.1% in June, 0.5% in May, 0.9% in April, 1.4% in March, 1.5% in February and 2.9% in January.
Annual inflation slowed for the first time in several months in August, edging down to 15.3% from 15.5% in July. This resulted from the fact that prices fell at a slower pace of 0.1% in August 2008.
The cost of food and nonalcoholic beverages fell 1.2% in August. Vegetable prices saw the biggest decline at 15.3%. Fruit prices fell 8.2%. The cost of alcoholic beverages declined 2.3%, while tobacco prices dropped 1.2%.
Tariffs on housing, water, electricity, gas and other types of fuel edged up 0.2% in August, while healthcare costs increased 0.3%.
A memorandum that the Ukrainian authorities signed as part of cooperation with the International Monetary Fund envisions inflation slowing to 16% in 2009 from 22.3% in 2008.
The Ukrainian Cabinet's official forecast envisions inflation of 9.5% in 2009, while the National Bank has said it plans to approve a forecast of up to 13%.