OREANDA-NEWS. Belarus will see April’s inflation growth below 1%, according to preliminary estimates made by the Economy Ministry.

Vice chief of Belarus’ Economy Ministry Alexander Yaroshenko made a statement to this effect at a press-conference.

According to the vice minister, April’s inflation growth will be much lower than in March, under 1%. The vice minister believes 2.6% of the first quarter’s 5.4% inflation increment was produced by changes in tax regulations, when the government cancelled VAT preferences for telecom services and raised excises on tobaccos and alcohol.

Preliminary estimates indicate that April’s inflation growth is likely to stay under 1%, the vice minister said.

Belarus was there to witness a 5.4% inflation growth in January-March 2013: 1.1% in March, 1.2% in February, 3% in January.

Belarus’ government expects inflation growth to stay under 12% in 2013. Belarus’ consumer prices grew 21.8% in 2012, while the government’s forecast stood at 19-22%.