Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased 4% year-on-year in February, while cost for transport added 5%. In addition, prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco went up by 2.9% and also advanced for recreation and culture, as well as for miscellaneous goods and services by 2.9% and 1.9%, respectively.

On the other hand, costs fell for housing and utilities prices by 2.5% and went down for clothing and footwear by 0.3%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged down 0.1% in February, after a 0.4% gain in January, LS said on March 9.