March CPI up 0.4% in line with expectations

The month of March increase marked was the first since October 2011. It is expected to raise again in April due to fuel price raise
 
The Central Bureau of Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4% in March, reaching 104.4 points.
 
This increase marks the first CPI increase since October 2011, after prices dropped in November by 0.1% and remained stable during the following three months.
 
Following the CPI increase, the rate of inflation was raised from 1.7% to 1.9%, which is still within the bounds set by the Government's prediction (1-3%).
 
The main price hikes were recorded in the categories of vehicle, gasoline and oil 3.6%, transport prices rose 1.3%, furniture and household equipment prices rose 0.4%, leisure activities (2.7%) and chicken products (1.3%). The housing category also recorded an increase of 0.4%.
 
Meanwhile, the CPI recorded a decrease in household maintenance products (-2.1%), ready-made salads (-6.4%), soft drinks (-1.9%) and fruits and vegetables (-1%).
 
The CPI is expected to rise by 1% this month due to fuel price rises.