The inflation rate decreased at the end of 2008 to 6.3%, compared to the 6.57% level in 2007. The rate is below the analysts' expectations, the National Statistics Institute informs. Analysts questioned by NewsIn anticipated a 6.6 - 6.8% inflation rate in December.

The Central Bank prognosis for the end of 2008 was also above the real level, at 6.7%.

The average prices increased 0.23%, mainly because of the 0.52% price growth for food and 1.3% growth of services' prices, determined by the national currency depreciation.

Non-food products' prices decreased 0.47%, INS informs.