The Association of Ukrainian Banks forecasts an inflation at the level of 8-9% in 2004. It was reported by the agency Ukrayinski Novyny with reference to President of the AUB Oleksandr SUHONIAKO.

In his opinion, there are no reasons for anticipation of higher inflation indices this year. At the same time, Mr. SUHONIAKO did not exclude that results of the presidential election could affect the pace of inflation, what can be compensated by the relative actions of the National Bank.

As was reported before, in June, as well as in May, a growth of consumer prices made up 0.7%. In January-June, consumer prices increased by 4.4%, including those for food-stuffs -by 5.4%, for non-food commodities — by 2.9%, for services — by 2.7%. In 2003, an inflation made up 8.2%.