Inflation likely to remain low and stable throughout the year

The data revealed yesterday by the Central Statistical Office surprised many analysts, who had expected an inflation rate of 1.8%. "It seems that inflation is stable at a low level and may reach just 2.2% by the end of the year," Janusz Jankowiak, chief economist with the BRE Bank Group commented. "It's a desirable situation, yet somewhat uncomfortable for the Monetary Policy Council, which in February announced that it didn't rule out the possibility of adopting a more restrictive stance," he continued. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B2) M.K.