Russia reports zero inflation in Sep.

Russia had zero inflation in September and 4.7% inflation in January-September 2011, Itar-Tass quoted the Federal State Statistic Service as saying on Tuesday. Inflation was 0.8% last September and 6.2% in January-September 2010. Forty-four regions of Russia reported a decline of consumer prices last month, among them a decline of 0.8% in Karelia and 0.7% in the Kostroma region. Prices grew in 26 regions, most of all in Kabardino-Balkaria (0.8%) and the Magadan region (0.7%). Moscow had 0.1 inflation in September, while St. Petersburg reported 0.1% deflation. Grains and legumens prices reduced by 10.6% on the average, including a drop of 19.8% for buckwheat and 19.7% for millet. Vegetable prices went down a lot due to the seasonal factor. Potato prices went down by 25.4%, carrot prices by 20.9%, onion prices by 20.6%, beat prices by 16.5%, cabbage prices by 14.1%, and fruit prices by 2%. Meat and meat product prices continued to grow. Beef prices went up by 1.7%, while lamb and minced meat prices increased by 1%. The minimal food basket across Russia cost 2,409.1 rubles per month. The cost reduced by 4.1% over the past month and 6.5% since the beginning of the year. The minimal food basket in Moscow cost 2,796.2 rubles per month, which was 2.6% decline. The cost was 2,811.1 rubles for St. Petersburg (a decline of 3.3%). Long-distance train tickets became 20.7% cheaper. Economy class airfare went down by 2.4%, while commuter train tickets reduced in price by 1.7%.