In March 2024 the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.01 percent compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 0.5 percent, the National Statistics Service (GeoStat) reported.

With regard to the annual core inflation, the prices increased by 2.4 percent, while the annual core inflation without tobacco amounted to 2.3 percent.

The monthly inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:

Transport: the prices for the group increased by 0.8 percent, contributing 0.1 percentage points to the overall monthly inflation rate. Within the group the prices increased for the subgroups of transport services (1.3 percent) and operation of personal transport equipment (0.8 percent);

Miscellaneous goods and services: the prices for the group increased by 1.4 percent, contributing 0.07 percentage points to the overall index. Within the group, the prices were higher mainly for the following subgroups: insurance (3.9 percent), personal effects n.e.c. (3.9 percent), personal care (1.0 percent);

Health: the prices decreased by 1.5 percent, contributing -0.15 percentage points to the overall index. The prices were lower for medical products, appliances and equipment (-2.4 percent).

The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:

Transport: the prices for the group increased by 8.1 percent, contributing 0.98 percentage points to the overall index. Within the group the prices increased for operation of personal transport equipment (11.0 percent), purchase of vehicles (5.8 percent) and transport services (1.9 percent);

Miscellaneous goods and services: the prices for the group increased by 10.2 percent, contributing 0.54 percentage points to the overall index. Within the group, the prices were higher mainly for the following subgroups: financial services n.e.c. (26.6 percent), personal effects n.e.c. (10.6 percent), insurance (3.9 percent), personal care (3.2 percent);

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: the prices increased by 4.5 percent, with the relevant contribution of 0.31 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices increased for both alcoholic beverages (5.7 percent) and tobacco (3.1 percent);

Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group decreased by 3.4 percent, contributing -1.17 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. Within the group the prices decreased for the following subgroups: oils and fats (-19.4 percent), vegetables (-15.3 percent), bread and cereals (-8.9 percent), milk, cheese and eggs (-3.9 percent). At the same time, the prices increased for the following subgroups: fruit and grapes (25.7 percent), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (5.1 percent), meat (2.8 percent), coffee, tea and cocoa (2.1 percent), fish (1.3 percent).