BEIRUT - According to a study made by the Central Bank of Lebanon, the total inflation could reach 15% this year if the raw material costs keep on increasing.

Experts showed that the prices of products increased by 7.2% during the first seven months of the year.

This first study followed a report issued by Bank Audi. This report highlights an annual increase of 20.72% of the food products prices only.
The Ministry of Finance indicated that the public debt is expected to reach 44.5 billion dollars, namely a 5.83% increase since January 2007.

The intern public debt in local currency is due to reach 52% against 40.8% for the American dollar.