December 2008 had a deflation of 0.2 per cent, the National Statistical Institute said Tuesday. The

average increase of consumer prices stands at 7.8 per cent for the period between December 2007 and December 2008, and at 12.3 per cent for the period January-December 2008 compared to the same time the year before.

Between November and December, prices dropped by 0.3 per cent for foods and beverages , grew by 0.2 per cent for liquor and tobacco, dropped by 0.1 per cent for clothing and shoes, and grew by 0.1 per cent for housing (rent, current improvements and maintenance) and utility services.

Meanwhile, the government press service reported a two-fold hike in the minimum monthly wage for the past five years.

For 2009 it is set at 240 leva, which makes an hourly pay of 1.42 leva (roughly equal to 0.70 euro) for an 8-hour work day and five-day work week. It is exactly twice as much as the minimum wage in 2004 (120 leva), the government press office said.

In 2003 the like figure was 110 leva, in 2005 150 leva and in 2006 160 leva. In 2007 the minimum hourly pay crossed the 1-leva mark for the first time and was 1.07 leva or 180 leva a month. In 2008 it was increased by nearly one-fourth to 220 leva (1.30 leva an hour).

Source: BTA