The prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, transport and restaurants and hotels have increased in Georgia month-on-month, according to the latest inflation data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat).

Specifically, the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased 1.1%. Prices increased for:

• Sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (5.4%)
• Oils and fats (4.9%)
• Fruit and grapes (2.6%)
• Mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (2.3%)
• Vegetables (1.9%)
• Bread and cereals (1.5%)

At the same time, the prices were lower for milk, cheese and eggs (-2.7%).

Transport prices increased by 2.5%. Within the group, prices increased for operation of personal transport equipment (3.7%).

Prices in the group of restaurants and hotels increased by 3.7%.The prices were higher for following subgroups:

• Catering services (3.8%)
• Accommodation services (2.9%)

Overall, in February 2021 the consumer price index increased 1.1% compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 3.6%.

With regard to annual core inflation, which  is calculated by excluding the groups of food and non-alcoholic beverages, energy, regulated tariffs, transport from the consumer basket, the prices increased by 6.6%, while the annual core inflation without tobacco amounted to 6.3%", said Geostat.

As for annual inflation, prices increased in the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages (+6.2%), health (+9.8%), furnishings, household equipment and maintenance (+12.3%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (8.1%) and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (21.2%).