Gogita Todradze, Executive Director of the National Statistics Office (Geostat), responded to criticisms regarding the methodology used for calculating inflation, emphasizing that the agency strictly follows international standards in its work.
According to Todradze, the models used by Geostat are not only modern but are also regularly reviewed by authoritative organizations such as Eurostat, the United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund. Moreover, the methodology is continuously updated.
"We have been calculating the inflation rate since 1992, but it is regularly updated. The methodological guide for prices was last updated in 2022, and I assure you, this is the most modern model available worldwide," Todradze said.
He explained that Geostat uses modern data collection methods, including digital solutions, which minimize human error and make the data more accurate.
"For the past two years, scanner data has been used in the calculation of the Consumer Price Index. We directly receive databases from several major supermarket chains. Additionally, we use so-called web scraping – automatic extraction of data from websites – which is used to determine prices for real estate as well as certain categories of goods," Todradze explained.
He also emphasized that Geostat is highly committed to transparency and has created several interactive platforms, including a personal inflation calculator and a "Price Kaleidoscope."
"We are official producers of statistics. The Statistical Service cannot publish a figure that will always be acceptable to every party. We are often criticized, and our data is frequently used as a tool for manipulation. Therefore, we always follow the standards set by international organizations, regardless of how acceptable or controversial this may be to others," Todradze stated, adding that he is ready to discuss the methodological foundations of price calculation in more detail with any interested audience.
