Gasoline prices are expected to increase by 5%, according to Copom (Monetary Policy Committee).

Kelly Oliveira
Reporter from Agência Brasil

Brasilia – The projected increase in gasoline prices this year remains at 5%. This estimate comes from the Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) of the Central Bank (BC).

The projection of a 15% decrease in residential electricity tariffs was also maintained. According to the Copom (Monetary Policy Committee), this estimate takes into account the direct impacts of the reductions in sector charges announced by the government, as well as ordinary tariff adjustments and revisions scheduled for this year.

Yesterday (5), the joint committee analyzing Provisional Measure 609 approved the report by deputy Edinho Araújo (PMDB-SP). The text deals with the exemption of 38 items from the basic food basket. This project included the points of MP 605 that dealt with measures to reduce electricity bills.

The merging of the two bills was the solution found by government leaders to salvage the electricity tax exemption after Provisional Measure 605 expired due to the passage of time, as it was not voted on in the Senate.

Copom also maintained its projection of stability in the price of bottled gas and a 2% reduction in fixed-line telephone rates in 2013.

For the set of prices administered by contract and monitored, in 2013, the estimate fell to 2,5%, compared to 2,7% considered in April by the Copom (Monetary Policy Committee). For 2014, the projection of 4,5% was maintained.

Edited by: José Romildo