Consumer Price Index Climbing in March

In March, consumer price index (CPI) rose by 3.3 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, urban and rural area was up by 3.1 and 3.6 percent respectively; the price of foodstuff, non-foodstuff, consumable and services expanded 7.7, 1.1, 3.7 and 2.0 percent respectively. Compared with February, CPI decreased 0.3 percent.

In view of eight categories, in March, the price of foodstuff increased 7.7 percent, year-on-year. Of the total, the price of grain was up by 6.4 percent; that of oil or fat, poultry and their products and fresh eggs rose by 17.2, 16.5 and 30.4 percent respectively; that of aquatic products, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and spices increased 5.3, 2.3, 6.1 and 4.0 percent respectively.

The price of tobacco, alcohol and daily articles jumped by 1.8 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, the price of tobacco and alcohol rose 1.0 and 3.3 percent respectively.

The price of clothing was down by 0.2 percent year-on-year. Of which, the price of clothes decreased 0.1 percent.

The price of household appliances and maintenance services rose by 2.2 percent year-on-year. Of which, the price of durable consumer goods rose by 2.4 percent, and that of household services and maintenance surging 6.1 percent.

The price of medical care and personal articles increased 1.4 percent year-on-year. Of which, the price of western medicines decreased 1.8 percent; that of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and medicines was up by 3.0 percent; and that of medical care services shot up by 2.4 percent.

The price of transportation and communication increased 0.1 percent year-on-year. Of which, the price of vehicles dropped 2.0 percent; that of vehicles fuel and spares increased 9.3 percent; that of using and maintaining of vehicles rose by 3.1 percent; that of intercity transportation rose by 5.7 percent; that of urban transportation fees increased 3.2 percent; and that of telecommunication services fell 18.2 percent.

The price of recreational, educational and cultural articles decreased 1.0 percent. Of which, price of tuition and baby-care decreased 0.8 percent; that of teaching materials and reference books dropped 0.7 percent; that of recreation fees increased 2.6 percent; that of tourism and outgoing rose by 3.5 percent; and that of recreation articles dropped 0.4 percent.

The price of residential article expanded 4.0 percent over the same period of the previous year. Of which, price of water, electricity and fuel, construction and decoration materials, and house renting was respectively climbing 2.0, 5.5 and 4.4 percent.

Accumulated CPI from January to March increased 2.7 percent, year-on-year.