Russian min sees inflation at 4.35% in Mar, 4% in Jan–Jun

MOSCOW, Mar 21 (PRIME) -- Russia’s annual inflation will amount to 4.35% in March and reach the target of 4% already in the first half of this year, Deputy Finance Minister Vladimir Kolychev told reporters Tuesday.

“It is around 4.3–4.4% currently. Yes, it can,” he said, when asked whether inflation could slow to 4% before the end of the year. “In the first half of the year.”

The forecast does not anticipate the central bank’s potential decision on its key rate to be made later in March, as the effect from this decision will not show up in the first half of the year, he also said.

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