Since the 1st April the standard VAT rate for most goods, before 18 percent, rised to 19 percent. VAT on food, fuel, medicine and various services such as transport and hotel costs, which were 8 percent, are now 9 percent. The lowest VAT rate of 4 percent, which was appieled to the sale of cinema and theater tickets as well as newspapers and books, is now 4.5 percent.