OREANDA-NEWS. July 08, 2010. Belarus’ consumer inflation rate will remain within the official forecast of 8%-10%, the director of the pricing policy department with the Economy Ministry, Igor Fomin, told.

“The forecast of 8%-10% over the 2009 level will be met for sure,” he said.

The official said inflation reached 4% in January-May.

“Foodstuff prices grew 2%, nonfood prices 1.5%, and service prices 0.5%,” he said.

According to Fomin, in the first five months, prices for fruit and vegetables were growing slightly. At present, dairy and meat prices are growing because of the recent rise in procurement prices.

Inflation processes are driven by rises in energy costs, inflationary expectations, and “decisions of regulating authorities to raise fares and public catering tariffs.”

“Anyway, the price situation is stable, controllable, and we do not see anything unpredictable,” he said.

In the first half of the year, consumer prices will rise not more than 5%, he added.