The increase in consumer prices slowed down in March to 0.49% as compared to February, but the annual inflation rate soared to 4%, as foodstuff prices grew by 4.45%, non-food goods by 4.15% and services by 3.18%, the National Statistics Institute (INS) informs on Wednesday.
In February, the consumer prices increased by 0.79% against January and the annual inflation rate was 3.83%.
“The consumer prices have increased by 4% in March 2019 against March 2018. The annual inflation rate based on the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) was 4.2% .The average consumer price index in the past 12 months (April 2018 – March 2019) as compared to the previous 12 months (April 2017 – March 2018), calculated on the basis of the CPI, was 4.4%, whereas based on the HICP, the average rate was 4.1%.
Highest piece increases – citrus by 4.5%, potatoes by 4.41%, and significant price decreases were recorded by eggs – 5%.
The National Bank of Romania (BNR) has recently increased to 3% the inflation forecast for the end of this year.