Belarus is ahead of many neighboring countries in the growth of consumer prices in February 2011 compared with January 2011. According to the National Statistics Committee of Belarus, consumer prices increased by 2.7% during the period (prices amounted to 4.2% compared with February 2010). The analysis of data on the consumer price index in 19 European countries has found that Belarus is a leader in price growth.
For example, in Bulgaria, the increase in consumer prices amounted to 1.2% in February 2011 compared with February 2010, Hungary — 0.4%, Germany — 0.5%, Ireland — 0.9% Spain — 0.1% , Italy — 0.3%, Kazakhstan — 1.5%, Latvia — 0.3%, Lithuania — 0.1%, Norway — 0.4%, Poland — 0.2%, Russia — 0.8% Slovakia — 0.3%, Turkish — 0.7%, Ukraine — 0.9%, Finland — 0.6%, the Czech Republic — 0.1%, Estonia — 0.6%. It should also be noted that, consumer prices declined slightly in Spain and Norway — by 0.6% and 0.1% respectively — in February 2011 compared with December 2010.
In Belarus, the most significant rise was registered in housing services, water, electricity, gas and other fuels — by 12.8% in January and February. These goods have become 17.8% more expensive compared with February 2010. The prices of education have risen significantly as well — by 4.8% against January 2010 and by 35% against February 2011.
According to the Ministry of Statistics, consumer prices of food and soft drinks increased by 2.7% during the reporting period. The prices have risen by 16.9% against February 2010. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products rose by 0.3% in January and February (11.9% compared with February 2010), while household items, household equipment and housing maintenance — by 0.8% (7%), cultural events — at 1% (7%), communication services, telephone and fax equipment — 0.1% (decreased in 2.65 times compared with February 2010).
February consumer prices for clothing, footwear, transport services, purchase of vehicles and operation of personal vehicles remained at the same level as in January. Medical services, medicines, medical supplies and equipment prices fell by 1.1% in February against January. Prices have grown by 6.3% compared with the same period in 2010.
