“The central bank could attempt a rate cut, though not by much, as inflation fell very abruptly,” Daianu told a financial seminar.
Romanian consumer prices fell for the third straight month in August, pushed down by cheaper food, while the annual inflation eased to a 17-month low of 4.25%.
The central bank froze its key rate at a record low of 6.25% since May 2010, and hinted it will not operate any changes at least until the end of 2011. The next monetary policy meeting is due for September 29.
Daianu estimates the annual inflation could come at 3.4%-3.8% in 2012, provided the leu doesn’t weaken too much against the euro.