Belarus: Central Bank keeps policy rate unchanged in October
At its 14 October meeting, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) kept the refinancing rate unchanged at its record low of 7.75%.
The decision was aimed at countering the recent acceleration in inflation, which has surpassed the Bank’s expectations. According to the Bank, an increase in demand for foreign exchange has caused the ruble to depreciate, elevating import costs and thus exerting upward pressure on prices.
Looking ahead, the Bank expects inflation to remain elevated in the coming months, but estimates that the upward pressures stemming from a weaker currency will dissipate in the medium term, while disinflationary factors due to downbeat activity will persist. Consequently, a rate cut is not likely to happen in the short term, as the Bank looks to protect the currency and dampen inflation.
The next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for 11 November.