Venezuelan economy is likely to grow this year above the estimated goal of six percent set in the country's budget, boosted by high oil prices, Wednesday said Minister of Finance Rafael Isea.

"We do reassert the growth goal set at around six percent, but growth is likely to exceed the goals by some points," said the official in an interview with official television channel VTV, Reuters quoted.

Isea conceded the worst problem facing President Hugo Chávez's government is inflation.

"Inflation is a major issue for the government. We have said we are going to pursue an 11 percent inflation goal," he added.

Under 2008 budget, economic growth is estimated at six percent, with the official exchange rate at VEB 2,150 per US dollar. The government has ruled out devaluation.