KIEV: Inflation in Ukraine in April 2016 to March 2016 sped up to 3.5% compared with the 1% March to February, according to the website of the State Statistics Service. In annual terms, the inflation in April 2016 slowed down to 9.8% yoy from 20.9% recorded the previous month. Since the year-start, in January-April 2106, consumer prices have risen 5.1%.
According to the data released, April saw prices increased most for natural gas – by 48.4%, fuel and oil – by 5.4%, and railway passenger transport – by 3.3% compared to the previous month. In annual terms, the biggest increase in prices was for hot water and central heating – by 77.7%, electricity – by 56.4%, water supply – by 37.2%. The greatest decline in prices in April to March was recorded for eggs (15.2%), sugar (2.7%), and vegetables (2.1%).
In annual terms, the largest decline in prices was also recorded for eggs (15.2%), as well as fruits (10.4%), fuel and oil (1.9%). State Statistics said that the data exclude the occupied Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as part of the zone of the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the country’s east. The National Bank of Ukraine predicted a slowdown in consumer price inflation in Ukraine down to 12% by the end 2016, while the International Monetary Fundforecast 15.1%, and the World Bank – 15%. According to the expert consensus forecast compiled by UNIAN, inflation this year will slow to 19%. State Budget of Ukraine for 2016 assumes an annual inflation rate of 12%, and the hryvnia exchange rate of about UAH 24.1 per dollar.
