The food items index decreased by 0.13 per cent to 104.35 from 104.49 in February as a result of average price drops in respect of unprocessed potatoes.

The beverages and tobacco index increased by 0.30 per cent to 111.91 from 111.57 in the previous month. The main increases were recorded in respect of non-alcoholic beverages.

The clothing and footwear index went up by 6.10 per cent to 88.77. Average price increases were recorded for men’s, boys’, women’s and girls’ outerwear, and men’s and women’s footwear.

The housing index went up to 104.12, and increase of 0.10 per cent over the previous month. Higher average prices for electrical equipment and miscellaneous articles were registered.

The household equipment and household maintenance cost index went up by 0.33 per cent to 101.00. Higher average prices were recorded for household textiles and textile articles and household appliances.

The transport and communications index were down by 0.01 per cent to 101.51 from 101.52. Lower prices in respect of motor cars were recorded whereas there was an increase in air fares.

The recreation and culture index went down by 0.16 per cent to 100.03 from 100.19. This drop resulted from price changes in audio visual equipment.

In March, the inflation rate stood at 1.75 per cent.