Economy & Business - September 2004

Law and order is a major problem. Economy ministers across the region say that the mara gangs are deterring companies from investing. Inflation in the 12 months to August was 8.6%. In calendar 2003 the rate was 8.1%.

• The country has the highest petrol and diesel prices in the region. Petrol prices average US$2.9 a gallon, compared with US$2.35 in Guatemala, which has the cheapest fuel in Central America. 
• Foreign banks account for 27% of the banking system's assets, or US$1.18bn. The bulk of the foreign banks operating in the country come from either Nicaragua or Panama.

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