PM: prices under control, with growth index in January being lowest in 20 years
The pricing situation in the country is stable and controlled – Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko told reporters, commenting on a meeting with the President on pricing issues
According to Roman Golovchenko, during a meeting, the Head of State has been reported on the results of the price regulation system (approved by the Government in Decree No. 713) and the general situation for the past year in terms of inflation and the consumer price index, while the tasks for the current year were outlined.
“The situation, as people say, is stable and controlled. We observed deflation in late 2022 [deflation of 1.7 percent was recorded in Q4 2022], in January 2023, the consumer price index grew by 0.8 percent – the lowest figure, in my opinion, in the last twenty years. Moreover, this growth is almost half associated with an increase in excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. The situation remains under control and the system is working,” the PM said.
He also recalled that certain adjustments to Decree No. 713 had already been adopted twice, enabling to resolve issues that were not foreseen at the stage of adoption of the document.
Commenting on the main result of his report, the PM stated, “The system has been developed, and it is working. It did not lead to negative effects either for business or for trade. It is not dogmatic, being open to modifications. In the near future, the First Deputy Prime Minister, on behalf of the President, will hold an extended meeting with market participants, management and owners of trade enterprises and retail chains. If necessary, additional measures will be developed.”
