Increase in Food Prices. Regional review.

In comparison to March 2012, the consumer price index for goods and services in April 2012 amounted to 101.7%. Compared to December 2011 – by 106.8%. A rise in food prices in April 2012 compared to March 2012 led to an increase of the composite consumer price index by 0.9%. Index for industrial goods and services grew by 0.4%.

For reference: The consumer price index in April 2012 compared to March 2012 amounted to 100.3%, compared to December 2011 – by 101.8%. In Kazakhstan, the figures are respectively 100.7% and 101.7%; in Ukraine – 100% and 100.7%.

The food price index in April 2012 compared to March 2012 amounted to 101.8%. Compared to December 2011 – by 106.9%. Changes in food prices in April 2012 compared with the previous month caused an increase of 0.9% in the composite consumer price index.

In April 2012 compared to March 2012, the prices for beef (except boneless meat) rose by 8.1%, vodka – by 6.1%, boneless pork – by 5.9%, beer -by 5.8% , boneless beef – by 3.3%, non-alcoholic beverages – by 2.3%, pork (except boneless meat), salt – by 2.2%, eggs – by 2%.The prices for the following foods rose also increased: milk and dairy products, premium sausages, bread and bakery products, canned meat, fruit, fresh fish, smoked sausage, mayonnaise – by 1.1-1.6%. Prices for vegetable oil decreased by 1.7%, buckwheat – by 1.4%, millet – by 1.2%, frozen fish, rice, oat flakes “Hercules” – by 0.5-0.8%.

Price for fresh tomatoes increased by 15.9%, cabbage – by 7.5%, garlic – by 5.3%. Prices for spring onions fell by 14.1%, bell peppers – by 10.3%, cucumbers – by 5.1%, potatoes – by 3.2%, carrots, onions – by 0.9%. Price for bananas dropped by 4.7%, citrus fruits – by 1.4%.

The cost of the minimum food basket in April 2012, as compared to March 2012, increased by 2.3%; compared to December 2011 – by 5.6%, as compared to April 2011 – by 2.2 times.