Expert’s opinion: Inflation in Ukraine may grow faster in 2013

The inflation rate for the year may be about 5%.This was stated by the expert of the information-analytical center FOREX CLUB Maria Salnikova. "The inflation rate this year will be speeded up by the expected acceleration of economic growth against the improving situation in the eurozone, more liberal NBU’s monetary policy in the second half of the year, as well as hikes in gas and utility services prices," – the expert said.According to Salnikova, price growth in 2013 can be restrained by the expected good harvest and conservative monetary policy of the National Bank in the first half of the year. "In January, inflation in Ukraine could be fixed at 0.1-0.3%. First, the January figure is traditionally higher than the December one. Secondly, prices for food and "recreation and culture" may continue rising due to the holidays" – Salnikova noted. According to the results of 2012, in Ukraine 0.2% deflation was recorded.