Annual inflation remained below zero at -1.3% in September after 0.4% deflation in August, according to the state statistics office, Geostat.

Prices dipped 0.1% on a monthly basis in September, Geostat said on October 3.

Annual inflation was in negative territory for most of the last twenty months (there were only couple of exemptions when annual inflation went slightly above zero – in July, 2012 and June, 2013).

Prices for healthcare services and in transport group declined 5.9% and 4.9%, respectively, y/y in September. Prices on food and non-alcoholic beverages were down by 1.6% y/y.

Prices on alcoholic drinks and cigarettes increased 6.6% y/y in September.

In late September monetary policy committee of the National Bank of Georgia kept its key rate unchanged at 3.75%.