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Belarus’ inflation rate rises to 70 percent

The Belarussians will have to pay more not only for essentials, but also for the housing and public utility services, transport, medicine and education

MINSK, September 26 (Itar-Tass) — Belarus’ consumer prices increased by 69.7 percent beginning from January 1, 2011, according to a statement issued by the national statistics agency on Monday.

For 20 days of September alone the prices grew by 10.5 percent as against the average prices in August.

The prices hit its highest level – on vodka (31 percent), pork and eggs (25 percent) and beef semi-products (24 percent). Moreover, fish, milk, bread, tea, tobacco products, medicines, clothes and footwear faced price hikes.

The Belarussians will have to pay more not only for essentials, but also for the housing and public utility services, transport, medicine and education.

Financial analysts forecast that by the end of the year the inflation rate may exceed 100 percent. In such a situation citizens will have to spend more money on food.

All local supermarkets and stores registered higher consumption of potatoes, cereals and dairy products following a sharp rise in prices for meat and meat products.