According to data published in today’s El Caribe newspaper, the DR’s inflation rate is 11.4% annualized as of January 31st. The figure is in excess of any registered in the past four years. The Central Bank attributes the high inflation rate to increments in fuel prices, and the 50% increase in the ITBIS (point-of-sale) tax. Previous inflation rates were 5.99% (2000), 7.15% (1999), 5.51% (1998), 6.95% (1997).
