Swedbank: inflation below Maastricht criteria

VILNIUS - Higher producer prices will soon be reflected in a higher CPI, which is expected to increase by more than 0.5 percent per month in the coming months in Lithuania, said Swedbank in a study, reports ELTA.
Average annual inflation will remain below Maastricht criterion, which seems to be trending towards 2.5 percent.
Despite more expensive electricity and higher excise duties, consumer prices increased less than expected in Lithuania in January, only by 0.2 percent. Annual inflation declined to 2.6 percent, and average annual inflation was three percent, the lowest since the spring of 2011.

According to the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) inflation, in February 2013 compared to January 2013, may stand at 0.1 percent, as reported, said Lithuanian Department of Statistics.
Annual inflation in February is likely to reach 2.4 percent, while the average annual - three percent (annual inflation recorded in January stood at 2.7 percent, while the average annual at 3.1 percent.

Rising prices of fuel and transport goods are likely to make the greatest impact on February inflation.
The growth may be slowed down by seasonal winter clothing and footwear sales.