Annual inflation was 0.2% in October after 1.3% deflation in September, according to the Geostat figures released on Monday.

Inflation stood at 1.5% on a monthly basis in October.

Annual inflation, which was in negative territory for most of the last twenty months, was pushed slightly above zero in October mostly due to rise in cigarette prices – 13.9% y/y increase. Excise tax on cigarette was increased from this September.

Prices for healthcare services and hotels and restaurants increased 3.2% and 3.4% y/y, respectively.

Prices in transport group, as well as for food and non-alcoholic beverages were down by 3.5% and 0.7% y/y, respectively, in October.