YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. Armenia's consumer prices were 5.9% up in May 2021 compared to May 2020, and 0.4% down compared to April 2021, according to the numbers, released today by the   National Statistical Committee (NSC).

It said compared to the January-May 2020, prices in the first five months of 2021 grew by 5.5%.

According to the NSC, in May 2021, compared to May 2019, prices for food products and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 7.5%, and dropped by 1% from April 2021.Alcohol and tobacco products rose in prices by 8.7% in May 2021, and by 1% from April 2021.

Prices for clothes and shoes in May 2021 increased by 5.9% from May 2020 and by 0.2% from April 2021. Utilities grew by 0.9% and dropped by 0.7% respectively.

Household goods and appliances rose in price by 9.3% in May, and by 0.2% from April 2021. Healthcare prices rose by 6.2% from May 2020 and declined by 0.2% from April 2021.

Prices for communications services grew by 1.1%  and 0.1% respectively. Education fees grew by  2.1% and 0% respectively and restaurant and hotel prices upped  4.5% and 1.1% respectively.

Also, prices for non-food products in May 2021 compared to May last year increased by 9%. Services rose by 2.2% and dropped by 0.2% respectively.

The government's growth projection for 2021 is 3,2%. Inflation forecast is  4% (±1,5%). -0-