UPDATE 1-Iraq inflation rises to 3.2 pct in Oct-c.bank
Published: Monday, 22 Nov 2010 | 11:31 AM ET
BAGHDAD, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Iraq's core annual inflation rate jumped to 3.2 percent in October from 1.9 percent in September as housing, water, electricity and cooking gas costs increased, an official at the central bank said on Monday. "The inflation rate is still under control," central bank senior adviser Mudher Kasim said. Inflation held steady at 1.9 percent in August and September, according to central bank figures. Iraq is struggling to restore an economy battered by years of war and international economic sanctions. The government relies on revenues from its vast oilfields for about 95 percent of its budget. To spur investment and economic growth outside of the oil sector, the central bank has tried to relax monetary policy and encourage bank credit. The central bank defines core inflation as excluding expenditures on fuel.
Published: Monday, 22 Nov 2010 | 11:31 AM ET
BAGHDAD, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Iraq's core annual inflation rate jumped to 3.2 percent in October from 1.9 percent in September as housing, water, electricity and cooking gas costs increased, an official at the central bank said on Monday. "The inflation rate is still under control," central bank senior adviser Mudher Kasim said. Inflation held steady at 1.9 percent in August and September, according to central bank figures. Iraq is struggling to restore an economy battered by years of war and international economic sanctions. The government relies on revenues from its vast oilfields for about 95 percent of its budget. To spur investment and economic growth outside of the oil sector, the central bank has tried to relax monetary policy and encourage bank credit. The central bank defines core inflation as excluding expenditures on fuel.