According to the International Monetary Fund’s predictions Kyrgyz inflation can exceed 12 percent in 2009.

Such inflation rate is one of the highest indices among the CIS countries. Approximately the same growth of consumer prices is expected in Russia, Belarus and Uzbekistan.

However, the Kyrgyz National Statistics Committee reported only about 0.4 percent raise in prices for the first quarter of 2009. According to the statement of the Kyrgyz National Bank on money and credit policy for 2009, the growth of consumer prices should not exceed 15 percent taking into account the results of January-December. It is planned to reduce inflation to the single digit within several years.