MOSCOW, December 25. /TASS/. Annual inflation in Russia accelerated from 9.52% a week earlier to 9.7% from December 17 to 23, the Ministry of Economic Development said in its price review.

"Consumer inflation decelerated to 0.36% over the week from December 17 to 23. In the food sector, prices growth rates declined to 0.76% during the reporting week, including down to 2.62% for fruits and vegetables, and price dynamics was 0.58% for other foods. In the non-food segment, price growth rates continued declining and totaled 0.11%: price dropped for cars, electric and domestic appliances; price growth rates geared down for diesel fuel. Prices continued going down for hotel services in the service sector," the ministry informed.

"Annual inflation was recorded at the level of 9.7," the ministry added.