Consumer prices in Georgia dipped by 2.1% on an annual basis in February, the first deflation in 30 months, helped mainly by falling food prices, according to figures released by state statistics agency, Geostat, on March 2.

Prices rose 0.2% from the previous month in February mainly driven by increase in costs of fuel and in hospitality sector.

On the annual basis prices on food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as on communication services decreased by 7.1% and 7.7%, respectively, in February.

Transportation prices rose 21.1% year-on-year in February, according to Geostat.

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) kept on February 15 its main policy rate unchanged at 6.5%.