Gross domestic product of Belarus increased by 7.4% in January 2011 against the same period last year. This was reported by the National Statistics Committee. In line with the forecast of socio-economic development in 2011, GDP should amount to the level of 2010 equal to 109-110%.
Industrial production increased by 6.4% in January and amounted to Br14.97 trillion at an annual growth forecast of 9-9.5%.
In addition, the National Statistics Committee, the investment growth reached 134.1% or Br3.103 trillion in January 2011.
Food Prices Rising at Higher Rates, Belstat
According to statistics, food prices were rising more rapidly in January this year compared with December last year. Food price index reached 102.1%, including vegetable oil — 102.4%, millet — 104.4%, fruits and vegetables — 104.9%, vodka — 105%, sugar — 110%. Tobacco products rose by 5.2%.
Prices for non-food products were growing at a slower rate than the food prices. The price index for industrial goods in January 2011 amounted to 100.3% against December 2010. Furniture (101%), TV (101.4%), publications (101.7%) became significantly more expensive, told the National Statistics Committee.
The rise in prices and tariffs for paid services amounted to 101.4% in January this year against December 2010. Prices for tourist services (102%), passenger transport services (102.2%), health and fitness (105.1%) and higher education (113.2%) also rose above-average.
In addition, according to the National Statistical Committee, the consumer price index for goods and paid services amounted to 100.4% for February 1-8, 2011.
The biggest price increase since the beginning of the month is marked on the potato (4.4%), cereals (2.6%), milk and dairy products (1.9%), vegetables (1.7%), butter, meat and meat products ( 1.4%), furniture (1.3%), services and higher education (3.1%).
As Telegraf previously reported, Belarus rose prices for spirits on January 11, the prices for the products of the tobacco factory Neman — on January 15, the Ministry of Economy of Belarus increased the marginal cost prices for beef to 3% per month, pork, milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese — up to 2% per month on January 26. Retail prices on sugar rose for 10% on February 12.
Furthermore, according to two other decisions of the Ministry of Economy, socially important goods, such as milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, meat, bread and bakery products will soon become more expensive in Belarus. What is more, import and wholesale mark-up’s prices were deragulated.
