Inflation 1.29% In February

FUELED by higher education, health care and food costs, Costa Rica registered a monthly inflation of 1.29% in February.

Inflation for the first two months of this year was 3.02%, the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC) reported Monday.

Inflation for the first two months of 2003 was 1.47%. Inflation over the last 12 months was reported at 11.55%, making it appear difficult for the country to meet the Central Bank’s target inflation rate of less than 10% in 2004 (TT, Jan. 16). Annual inflation in 2003 was 9.87%.