Credit indebtedness of citizens and the economy of Serbia in the first seven months of this year increased by seven percent to RSD 1853.93 billion, according to data of the Association of Serbian Banks.

In July alone, debt by citizens and businesses increased by 2.4 percent, from RSD 1810.14 to 1853.93 billion.

From January to July, indebtedness of the population increased by 4.6 percent, from RSD 514.89 billion to 538.5 billion,while during the previous month the debt grew by 3.3 percent.

The biggest increase over the seven months was observed in housing loans - by 5.8 percent, from RSD 286.18 billion to 302.78 billion, while in July the increase was 4.3 percent.

As for company loans, since the beginning of the year, it saw a growth of 6.3 percent, from RSD 1165.49 to 1239.18 billion, while in July the increase was 2.1 percent.

In the first seven months, the growth in credit debt by entrepreneurs was 47.3 percent, from RSD 51.77 billion to 76.25 billion, while July saw an 1.8 percent increase.

Citizens' delay in repayment of loans over two months remained unchanged in July relative to the month before, at 3.4 percent.

As for companies, delaying repayment of loans over 15 days decreased, from 14.7 percent to 14.5 percent, while the delay in loan repayment by entrepreneurs increased from 12.4 percent at the end of June to 12.6 percent.