The Romanian National Bank (BNR) decided on Wednesday to decrease for the third time in 2007 the monetary policy interest rate, from 7.50 to 7.25%, a press release on the institution's website informs.

On January 1, the rate was 8.75%. The Central Bank considered in its action the decrease of the basic inflation rate, down to 2.8%, without considering the impact of the "vice tax" on the budget.

BNR also decided to maintain the same level for the minimum reserves rates that apply to credit institutions, depending on the size of their businesses.

The Regulation on minimum obligatory reserves will continue to be adapted, with transition funds being cut from the calculus.

The Quarterly Inflation Report was also studies and will be published on May 4.