Finance Ministry projects 3.1 pct growth, 8.5 pct inflation in 2022

The Ministry of Finance lowered its estimate for economic growth this year to 3.1 percent, down from 4.1 percent in in November.

At the same time, the ministry expects the inflation annual rate to reach 8.5 percent, up from a 6.1 percent it forecast in November.

In related news, the Senate has approved extending housing benefits to more people than before due to soaring energy costs and authorizing the cabinet to act further this year if electricity and gas prices continue to rise.