In March 2009, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices went up by 1.5 per cent over the previous month. This primarily reflected an increase of 5.6 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonal price rises in garments.

The Restaurants and Hotels Index rose by 5.1 per cent. An upward movement in the price of vegetables brought about an increase of 1.7 per cent in the Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages Index .

The Furniture, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House Index registered an increase of 0.3 per cent, mainly due to price rises of tools, equipment and other miscellaneous accessories necessary for house maintenance works.

Higher prices of package holidays brought about an increase of 0.2 per cent in the Recreation and Culture Index.

Upward shifts in the prices of hairdressing services underlay an increase of 0.2 per cent in the Miscellaneous Goods and Services Index.

The Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index registered an increase of 0.1 per cent, mainly on account of higher rents paid by tenants.

Lower prices of fuels and lubricants for personal transport resulted in a drop of 0.4 per cent in the Transport Index.

In March, the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.6 per cent, whereas the annual rate of inflation stood at 3.9 per cent.

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