OREANDA-NEWS. On 20 January 2009 was announced, that a serious increase in prices for imported foodstuffs has been observed after the authorities devaluated the Belarusian rubles in early January, Deputy Economy Minister Vladimir Adashkevich told reporters.

“Economic entities, both state-run and private, used the devaluation to raise their selling prices. However, some price increases have been much stronger than the 20% devaluation,” Adashkevich said.

Some foods are now 40% to 65% more expensive than in late 2008. Prices for millet, buckwheat and rice have risen the most, followed by fish, oranges, apples and tangerines.

Adashkevich said there were numerous complaints from individuals about new prices.