Consumer prices, measured by the consumer price index, increased by an average of 2.6% in March compared to the same month last year, according to data from Monstat.
In March, consumer prices were 0.3% higher compared to February.
The highest impact on the monthly inflation rate came from price increases in areas such as rent paid by tenants for primary housing, restaurants, cafes, fruits, pharmaceuticals, vegetables, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, jam, honey, chocolate, and sweets, as stated in the report.
From January to March, consumer prices were, on average, 2.7% higher compared to the same period last year.
Looking at the main product and service groups by consumption purpose, in March, compared to the previous month, there were increases in the following groups: health (3.2%), restaurants and hotels (1.2%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.5%), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (0.4%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.3%), other goods and services (0.2%), and recreation and culture (0.1%).
Price decreases were recorded in the transport group (1%) and furniture, household equipment, and routine household maintenance (0.5%).
Prices of other products and services did not change significantly.
