OREANDA-NEWS. February 27, 2012. Belarus’ core inflation was at 1.8% in January 2012, a representative in the National Statistics Committee told reporters.

Staple food prices went up 1.8% on the month in January; non-food prices increased 1.6%, and service prices went up 2.3%.

In Belarus, core inflation rate reached 118.1% in January-December 2011.

Core inflation is close to basic monetary indicators and does not depend on variables, especially seasonal factors and administratively-controlled price-formation.

Core inflation is the key benchmark for monetary strategies; many countries of the world have their central banks calculate the core consumer price index [in Belarus it is calculated by the National Statistics Committee].