The inflation rate slowed to 4.8% in March after stabilizing at 4.9% for four consecutive months, the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) said Monday.
This slight decrease in inflation, despite the monthly increase in prices (+0.7%), is due to the slowing down in the pace of price increases between March and February of this year compared to last year.
Indeed, a slowdown is observed in the rate of increase in food prices (4.1% against 4.8% in February) and prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco (6.1% against 10.5% in February).
The INS recalls that the general price level rebounded in March last year coinciding with the start of the general lockdown period.
Food prices went up 4.1% In March 2021year-on-year following the increase in prices of edible oils by 11.7%, vegetables by 8.8%, the “milk, cheese and &egg” group by 5.5% and fish by 4%.
Manufactured goods prices in March showed growth of 4.8% due to a 9.1% increase in prices of building materials and 6.4% increase in prices of household routine maintenance products.
For services, prices rose 5.1% year-over-year due to price increases in restaurant and cafe services by 10.2%, health services by 8.2%, and rents by 4.6%.
Inflationary prices rose by 5.1% year-over-year due to price increases in restaurants and cafes by 10.2%, health services by 8.2%, and rents by 4.6%.
Core inflation and regulated product inflation
The core inflation rate (excluding food and energy) remains unchanged at 5.6%. Free (uncontrolled) product prices rose 4.8% versus 4.5% for regulated prices. Free food products went up e 4.1% compared to 4.2% for regulated food products.
The price of food products increased by 4.1% compared to 4.2% for regulated products.
