In March 2009, the Retail Price Index went up by 0.77 per cent over the previous month, rising from 117.59 to 118.50. This primarily reflected an increase of 5.55 per cent in the Clothing and Footwear Index, mainly due to seasonal price increases in women’s outerwear.

The Food Index went up by 1.62 per cent, mainly on account of an increase in the price of vegetables.

An increase in the rents paid by tenants and in the price of certain electrical equipment, brought about a rise of 0.20 per cent in the Housing Index.

Upward movements in the price of hairdressing services were the main cause behind an increase of 0.20 per cent in the Personal Care and Health Index.

The Household Equipment and House Maintenace Cost Index went up by 0.19 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices for house decoration articles.

The Other Goods and Services Index registered an increase of 0.15 per cent, mainly due to an increase in the prices of non-durable household goods.

Higher prices of wine and non-alcoholic beverages underlay an increase of 0.09 per cent in the Beverages and Tobacco Index.

The Transport and Communication Index dropped by 0.19 per cent, mainly on account of lower fuel prices.

The Recreation and Culture Index went down by 0.12 per cent, mainly due to a decrease in the price of a horticultural product.

In March the twelve-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.32 per cent, whereas the annual rate stood at 4.26 per cent.

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