For the first month of 2009, the consumer prices went up by 0.8% compared to December 2008, shows data from the National Statistics Institute.

The annual inflation for January 2009 compared to January 2008 is 7.1%.

In the last month, the prices for foods and beverages have gone up the most – 1.9%. The prices of entertainment and cultural relaxation have inreased by 1.3%; the expenses for estates (rent, repair and maintenance), water, electroenergy, gas and other fuels – by 1.2%, education – by 0.5%.

In the last month the prices for transport have dropped by 2.4%, and for clothing and shoes – by 1.5%.

In the group of non-food goods and services, the biggest increase is observed in the prices for rent of estates – by 1.0%, house heating – by 16.8%, and the tourism expenses – by 2.2%.