Expenditures for Purchase of Essential Commodities Have Risen More than Overall Inflation

The State Statistics Committee said in the first quarter of this year consumer prices growth for goods and services (inflation) was 2.8%.

Prices of food products, including beverages and tobacco products, increased on average by 3.9%, non-food products - 2.4%, services - 1.6%. However, for many essential goods costs of the citizens rose more than the overall inflation.

For example, bread and cereals rose at an annual rate in the first quarter by 7.9%, oils and fats - 9.6%, dairy products - 4%, fruits - 9.1%, sugar, honey, confectionery – 4.1%, tea, coffee and cocoa - 8%. This is a direct result of the devaluation of the manat, since about 50% of food consumed in the country comes from abroad.

Prices of alcoholic beverages rose by an average of 3.9%. For some of them, for example, wine and beer, the increase was 4.4% and 24.8% respectively. Tobacco became 44% more expensive than in January-March 2014. The rise in price of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes resulted mainly from the increase in the import excise taxes on them since March 1.

In January-March the prices of construction materials significantly increased (4.9%). Increase also regarded bottled gas (3.8%) and liquid fuels (4.1%), according to the State Statistics Committee. Appliances were sold for 22% more than in January-March 2014 and small appliances were sold for 17.9% more. ------08B