ArmInfo. In August 2016, the consumer market of Armenia saw 0.5% deflation due to 0.8% decline in food prices. Alcohol and tobacco inclusive, food prices dropped by 0.7% in August. Nonfood prices also dropped by 0.7% and the tariffs of services have remained unchanged for the second month running. The National Statistical Service of Armenia has told ArmInfo that in Jan-Aug 2016 the average monthly decline in consumer prices made up 0.5% versus 0.3% fall a year before.
In Jan-Aug 2016, the consumer price index made up 96.2%, food price index (including alcohol and tobacco) - 94.4%, nonfood price index - 96.3%, and the index of tariffs of services made up 98.7%. As compared with Jan-Aug 2015, these indices made up 98.4%, 96.2%, 98.1% and 102.3%, respectively, and in August 2016 versus August 2015 the indices made up 98.1%, 96.9%, 96.6% and 100.8%, respectively.
On the food market, vegetables, fruit and dairy fell in price by 8.5-1% in August 2016. In the meantime, eggs grew in price by 18.8%. Granulated sugar rose in price by 2%.
On the nonfood market, clothes and knitwear dropped in price by 3.8% in August 2016, footwear - by 1.5%, detergents - by 1.4%, fuel - by 1%, gardening inventory - by 0.7%, carpets and medicaments - by 0.5%, pieces of art - by 0.4%, household appliances and construction materials - by 0.3%, kitchen implements - by 0.2% and textile - by 0.1%. In the meantime, stationery, jewelry, cosmetics, furniture, personal hygiene items grew in price by 0.1-1.1%. In August, petroleum underwent no changes in price (down 11.8% versus Aug 2015), but diesel fuel grew in price by 0.2% (down 19.6% versus Aug 2015). In Jan-Aug 2016, petroleum and diesel fuel prices fell by 9.2% and 17.7%, respectively.
As regards the tariffs of services, in August 2016 transport services dropped in price by 2.1% (due to 6.8% fall in air ticket prices), recreation services - by 0.1%, pubic catering services - by 0.1%. In the meantime, utilities grew in price by 0.4%, medical services - by 0.2%, and services in the culture sector - by 0.1%.
