SRAMKO: Slovakia Will Meet Maastricht Inflation Criterion

Slovakia Will Meet Maastricht Inflation Criterion, Says NBS Governor The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) estimates the reference inflation level in 2008, which Slovakia should not exceed with regard to its ambition to join the eurozone in 2009, at 2.8 percent. In the monitored period in the spring of 2008 the central bank expects the average inflation in Slovakia to be at 2.5 percent, NBS Governor Ivan Sramko said. The central bank's predictions do not count with further prepared changes in regulated prices that significantly influence the development of headline inflation. After inclusion of the declared drop of natural gas prices for households, the growth rate of consumer prices could be even lower. We could thus meet the Maastricht inflation criterion, although it still remains the most difficult hurdle on the way to eurozone, stated Mr. Sramko. Despite expectations of positive changes, Mr. Sramko still sees a risk in regulated prices of energy.