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Belarus inflation running at 8 percent

Belarusian trademark potatoes have beaten all records, becoming 2.6 times more expensive since the start of the year

MINSK, August 8 (Itar-Tass) - Inflation in Belarus edged up one percent in July, and is currently running at eight percent, the National Statistical Committee of Belarus said on Thursday.

According to it, Belarusian trademark potatoes have beaten all records, becoming 2.6 times more expensive since the start of the year. Tobacco prices grew 1.5 times.

However, growing service prices were the biggest strain on the purses. Kindergarten prices grew 81 percent in January-July, electricity prices grew 55.1 percent. At the same time prices of telecommunications services as well as health and recreation services have grown 26 percent. Prices of medical services, railway tickets, theatre tickets have also increased but at a slower pace.

It is expected that inflation in August will keep growing. The authorities have already announced a sizable increase in heating and electricity prices.

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