Weekly Report - 7 April 2011 (WR-11-14)

BOLIVIA | Inflation. Accumulated inflation was 3.89% in the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest report from the national statistics institute (INE), nearing the 4% target fixed by President Evo Morales for year as a whole. According to the INE, monthly inflation in March was 0.89%, down from 1.66% in February and 1.29% in January. Inflation in 2010 was 7.2%, above the government target of 4.5%. In response to concerns about rising prices, which escalated over the government's failed attempt to scrap fuel subsidies at the end of last year (the so-called gasolinazo) [WR-11-01], on 22 March Morales promulgated a decree, issued earlier in the month, authorizing a 20% rise in the minimum wage, taking it B$815.40/mth (US$118), up from   B$679.35(US$97) previously. The decree also authorised an extra 10% rise in salaries for health sector workers, teachers, the armed forces and police officials.

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