TIRANA, July 2 – The Bank of Albania left its monetary policy unchanged on Wednesday, keeping the key interest rate at 2.5% while closely monitoring global market developments and their impact on inflation and economic activity.

Speaking at the bank’s monthly press conference, Governor Gent Sejko said the Supervisory Council also kept the overnight deposit rate at 1.5% and the overnight lending rate at 3.5%.

Sejko said the current monetary policy stance remains appropriate. He added that it supports the central bank’s baseline outlook and provides suitable monetary conditions for inflation to return to its target. At the same time, the policy allows the bank to better assess the impact of higher oil prices on future inflation.

Looking ahead, the governor said the Bank of Albania will continue to focus on maintaining price stability. He added that policymakers will seek to prevent temporary supply shocks from turning into persistent inflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, the Supervisory Council will continue to monitor economic and financial developments. Sejko said the central bank stands ready to adjust policy in the timing, direction and scale required if new risks to price stability emerge.

He also said the Bank of Albania’s prudent and consistent monetary policy has helped preserve monetary stability while supporting favourable financial conditions for the country’s sustainable economic growth.

/a.p./