Bread and Meat Prices Have Increased: National Statistical Committee

In 2019, consumer prices have shown a consistent monthly increase compared to the same month of the previous year. According to the National Statistical Committee, in July 2019, there was a recorded inflation rate of 1.7% in the consumer market of Armenia compared to July of the previous year. Inflation in June was 2.5%, followed by 2.8% in May, and 2.2% in April.

It is noteworthy that during the period of January-December 2018, the inflation rate in Armenia compared to the same period in 2017 was 2.5%.

Thus, in July 2019, the inflation rate for food items compared to the same period last year was 2.8%, with the previous month’s increase being 4.8%. Specifically, bread has increased by 5.5%, eggs by 38.9%, meat by 3.1%, potatoes by 75.4%, poultry (chickens, turkeys, and other birds) by 13.6%, and vegetable prices have risen by 11.7%. Meanwhile, the price of butter has decreased by 3.6%.

The prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products increased by 4.1%. Prices for clothing, footwear, and other knitwear accessories have recorded a 6.2% increase. In the healthcare sector, a 1.7% increase was noted, and in the transportation sector, a 1.1% increase was observed. The prices in the communications sector, as well as in the leisure and culture sectors, decreased by 0.5% and 1.3% respectively.

In the education sector, the consumer price index was 1.4%, while restaurants and hotels saw an increase of 1.1%, alongside a 0.3% rise in various goods and services.

It should be noted that for the monthly calculation of the consumer price index, observations of consumer prices (tariffs) are conducted in Yerevan and 10 provinces of the Republic based on an established methodology. The consumer price index includes 450 goods and services (approximately 8000 representative items).