The annual rate of inflation accelerated for the 19th consecutive month and reached 18.7% in September compared to 17.7% in August, data from the National Statistics Institute show. This has been its highest level since 1998, when this country was emerging from a period of hyperinflation.

Monthly inflation is 1.2%, and year-to-date inflation is 14%. In September, the prices for education increased the most - by 5.4%, followed by the prices of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels - by 4.2%, and food products and soft drinks - by 2. 3%. At the same time, spending on entertainment and culture decreased by 4.6%, on transport by 2.9% and on communications by 1.8%.

The price index for goods and services from the small basket increased by 2.9% compared to a month earlier and by 17.4% since the beginning of the year.

• Rise of inflation continues to outpace income growth