Beginning of 2011 in Georgia marked by sharp fluctuations in exchange rates

Since early 2011 the national currency of Georgia, the lari, has been
sharply fluctuating against the US dollar. In the last days of 2010
the exchange rate of the GEL to the dollar amounted to 1.75-1.77,
while today one dollar costs 1.80 GEL (yesterday - 1.79),
Business-Georgia reports.

Exchange rate fluctuations have not yet caused a significant increase
in prices, but a trend is already noticeable. During the last week the
prices of sugar, onions and potatoes have risen.

Economics expert Levan Kalandadze said that the depreciation of the
lari against the US dollar is a natural process.