In August 2015, domestic production in Georgia increased by 2.3% annually – a figure that is expected to retain stability around this year’s overall trend. Consumer price inflation reached its highest value in two years (5.4%). The August 2015 increase in electricity tariffs and the growing number of tourist arrivals put additional upward pressure on consumer price inflation.
The final growth forecast for the third quarter of 2015 has not changed significantly since last month (declining by only 0.02%) and remains at 2.6%. Similarly, the second growth forecast for the fourth quarter of 2015 is still 3.8%.
The International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University has signed a contract with the Asian Development Bank to contribute to a study on: “Good Jobs for Inclusive Growth in Central and West Asia”. Since obtaining independence in the early 1990s, Central and West Asian countries have made noticeable progress. However, recent economic disruptions, mainly caused by the structural decline in energy prices and the protracted devaluation of currencies in the region, are affecting jobs, remittances, and people’s general well-being.
International crude oil prices, which have hovered at $110 per barrel for the last three and a half years, started a sudden and abrupt downfall in August 2014, reaching a $50 per barrel mark in just five months. More than a year after the event, it looks like the oil price of $50 per barrel is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.
In July 2015, domestic production in Georgia increased by 3% annually, maintaining a stable and positive trend. Consumer price inflation reached the highest value (4.9%) in two years. The 1 August 2015 increase in electricity tariffs is likely to put some additional upward pressure on consumer price inflation in the coming months.