In February 2023 the Consumer Price Index decreased by 0.3% compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 8.1%, reads the report of GeoStat.

With regard to the annual core inflation, the prices increased by 6.5%, while the annual core inflation without tobacco amounted to 6.6%.

The monthly inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:

Health: the prices for the group decreased by 4.9%, with the relevant contribution of -0.47% to the monthly inflation rate. Within the group, the prices were lower for medical products, appliances and equipment (-8.1%). At the same time, prices increased for hospital services (1.3%);

Transport: the prices for the group decreased by 1.5%, contributing -0.19% to the overall index. Within the group the prices decreased for the subgroup of operation of personal transport equipment (-3.7%). At the same time, prices increased for transport services (3.1%) and purchase of vehicles (1.8%);

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices for the group increased by 1.2%, contributing 0.37% to the overall monthly inflation rate.

The prices increased for the following subgroups: vegetables (10.2%), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (2.8%), fruit and grapes (2.2%), meat (1.5%). At the same time, prices decreased for the subgroup of milk, cheese and eggs (-2.3%).