Serbia annual inflation flat at 5% in April

On a monthly comparison basis, Serbia's consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.7% in April, after rising by 0.3% in March, the statistical office said in a statement.

In April, the highest price increase, up by 9.9% compared to the previous year, was recorded for restaurant and hotel services. Close behind, prices in housing, water, and energy rose by 7.7%.

Prices of healthcare services saw a 7.2% annual increase in April, while alcohol and tobacco prices gained 7.1%. Prices of recreation and culture activities rose by an annual 6.5%, while prices of clothing and footwear increased by 5.9%.

On a monthly comparison basis, prices of clothing and footwear rose by 2.1% in April, transport added 1.7% and restaurant and hotel services were 1.1% more expensive.

Serbia's central bank last week kept its key rate at 6.5%, along with unchanged deposit and lending interest rates. The central bank attributed the decision to considerations of global inflation trends and uncertainties in energy and primary product prices.