March inflation: healthcare costs down, miscellaneous goods, services, transport up in Georgia

Healthcare-related costs decreased month-on-month across Georgia in March, while prices for miscellaneous goods, services and transport increased, the National Statistics Office said on Wednesday.

Specifically, the prices for transport increased by 0.8 percent, contributing 0.1 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within the group, prices increased for transport services (1.3 percent) and operation of personal transport equipment (0.8 percent).

The group of miscellaneous goods and services saw an increase in prices by 1.4 percent last month, contributing 0.07 percentage points to the overall index. The Office said the prices were higher mainly for insurance (3.9 percent), personal effects (3.9 percent) and personal care (one percent).

Healthcare-related costs decreased by 1.5 percent, contributing -0.15 percentage points to the overall index. The prices were lower for medical products, appliances and equipment (-2.4 percent).

Overall, the consumer price index in March increased by 0.01 percent compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 0.5 percent.

The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for miscellaneous goods and services (+10.2 percent), transport (+8.1 percent), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (+4.5 percent), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (-3.4 percent).