According to a report recently released by the RA Statistical Service, the consumer price index was 107.7% this January-August. A 7.6% average rise in prices for consumer goods, and a 7.8% rise in prices for paid services were registered. A 6.5% rise in prices for food was registered as well.

A different picture can be seen if this year’s monthly prices are compared with last year’s monthly prices. The August consumer price index reached a record level, 109.6%. This February it was 109.4%.

An 11.5% rise in prices for consumer products was registered, with a 12.9% rise in food prices. The main reason for the price rise is a serious rise in the prices for vegetable food. Unfavorable weather seriously affected the fruit and vegetables yield, which, in turn, caused skyrocketing prices. A 35.6% rise in fruit prices was registered this August as compared with lat August, with an 83.6% rise in potato prices registered.

A 7.1% rise in bread prices was registered this August. Bread, fruit and vegetables constitute the lion’s share of Armenians’ diet, and the price rise is a blow to socially vulnerable families.