Rio, February 21, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - February's inflation, as measured by the General Price Index 10 (IGP-10), compiled by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and covering the variation in prices between January 10 and February 11, amounted to 2.42%, indicating an increase over last month's result (2.29%). The increase in the rate of inflation reveals lingering effects of the readjustment in fuel and urban transportation prices, and what is also already showing up, according to information provided yesterday (20) by Salomão Quadros, FGV economist, is the impact of appreciation in the value of the dollar.

All the indices that make up the IGP-10 rose more than they did in January: The Wholesale Price Index (IPA) rose 2.67%, versus 2.60%; the Consumer Price Index (IPC) rose 2.08%, versus 1.84%; and the National Cost of Construction Index (INCC) rose 1.41%, versus 1.34%. (DAS)