Since the introduction of the free exchange rate of the ruble, Russia has been among the countries with a high level of inflation. The real value of money largely depends on the state of the economy at a particular moment. Various financial institutions calculate the inflation rate on a monthly basis to analyze the general situation in the country.
In May 2012, according to Rosstat estimates, inflation was 0.3%. This figure was slightly lower than expected. For example, in the previous year, in the same month, the value of money fell by almost half a percent. The low inflation rate can be associated with the general stabilization of the world economy, as well as with the growth of production in Russia.
Inflation consists of many indicators and its real impact on the life of the population depends on how much the prices of consumed goods and services have changed. On average, prices for all consumer goods rose by the same 0.3%. At the same time, food products are becoming more expensive more slowly - their cost in stores and in markets has increased by 0.2%. This was due to goods such as eggs and sugar, and the price of fish, various seafood and oil also decreased slightly.
At the same time, there is no further prospect of a decrease in the cost of goods that are not seasonal. This is due to the fact that the price of gasoline began to rise. This dangerous trend could further fuel inflation, as fuel is an important pricing element.
The cost of services varies depending on the industry. Travel companies and hotels make their contribution to inflation - the cost of their services increases in connection with the onset of warm days and the approaching holiday season. At the same time, the growth of utility tariffs stopped during this period.
Those who traveled abroad in May may have felt inflation even more strongly. The value of the main world currencies - the dollar and the euro - increased against the ruble by 2-3%.
On the whole, inflation in May can be assessed as moderate, with a tendency to decline. If the rise in fuel prices stops, and the increased outflow of funds from the country stops, it can be expected that the ruble will remain fairly stable during the summer.
