State news wire MTI noted that emerging market analysts in London had expected the inflation rate to pick up to 2.7%-2.8%.

In September 2017 compared to September 2016, food prices rose by 3.1%, within which the price of butter rose by 16.5%, cheese by 9.5%, pork by 8.5%, coffee by 7.1%, bread by 5.9%, and other meat preparations by 5.8%. The price of poultry meat fell by 12.9%.

The highest price rise of 6.0% on average was recorded for alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

The price of other goods (pharmaceutical products, motor fuels, household products and recreational goods) was up by 2.7% on average, within which the price of motor fuels rose by 5.3%.

Prices of services rose by 1.8%, while prices of electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 1.0%. Consumers paid 1.1% more for clothing and footwear, while consumer durables cost 0.1% less.

MTI noted that seasonally adjusted core inflation, which excludes volatile fuel and food prices, accelerated further in September, to 2.9%, the highest rate recorded since January 2014.

In September 2017 compared to the previous month, consumer prices increased by 0.1% on average.

In January–September 2017 compared to the same nine-month period of 2016, consumer prices rose by 2.4% on average.