Inflation in February at the same level as in January

The average consumer prices in February rose by 1.5% compared with January, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics. The cumulative inflation rate for January-February 2008 was 3%. The prices of food products in February increased by 2.4%, of nonfood products by 0.5%, while of the services provided by the population by 1.8%. Among food products, grapes grew dearer by 27%, fresh fruit by 10.2% (including apples by 23.1%), meat and meat products by 4.8% (beef by 17% and pork by 9.4%). Among non-food products, coal got dearer by 1.1%, detergents by 1.8%, footwear for men by 2.1%. Water and sewerage charges went up by 9.4%, heating charges by 5.8%, prices in cafes and bars by 4.8%. At the same time, the prices of dietary eggs in February went down by 3% and of potatoes by 1.5% compared with January. The rate of inflation last February was 1.6% on December 2006.