Consumer prices in Ukraine in March 2013 remained unchanged after declining by 0.1% in February and growing by 0.2% in January and December, the State Statistics Service reported.

According to the service, in annual terms - in relation to the same month in 2012 - deflation in February accelerated to 0.8% from 0.5% in February 2012 and 0.2% in January.

The State Statistics Service says that in the first three months of 2013, inflation stood at 0.1%, while a year ago it was equal to 0.7%.

According to the service, in March against February 2013, the largest increase was registered in the prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products - by 1.7% (compared to March 2012 - an increase of 7.5%), fruits - by 1.6% (down 7 9%), pasta - 0.6% (up 2.2%), bread - by 0.4% (up 4.5%). Health service prices went up by 0.5% (up 2.3%), rail transport service prices rose by 4.1% (up 5.7%).

A considerable decline was registered in the prices for eggs - by 3.5% (compared to March 2012 - a decline of 23.5%), sugar - by 2.6% (down 17.5%) and vegetables - by 1.7% (a decrease of 21.7%).

The prices of other goods in March against February 2013 changed insignificantly.

As reported, deflation in Ukraine in 2012 amounted to 0.2% after inflation slowing to 4.6% in 2011 from 9.1% in 2010.

The state budget for 2013 is calculated on the basis of such forward-looking macroeconomic indicators: inflation (December to December) - 4.8%, budget deficit - 3.2% of GDP, GDP growth rate - 3.4%.

Ukrinform