Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index in March rose 0.16 per cent against the previous month and surged 2.25 per cent over the end of 2011, reported the General Statistics Office.
CPI in the first quarter of the year increased 15.95 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Nine of the 11 essential commodities saw a hike in price, while post and telecommunications, and foodstuffs, saw a drop.
The highest growth rate during the month was seen in the housing and construction materials sector with 2.31 per cent, while the lowest increase was recorded by the beverage drinks and cigarette sector with 0.16 per cent.
Restaurant services, including food and foodstuff products, which account for 40 per cent of the market share, experienced a decrease of 0.83 per cent.
Prices of foodstuffs were down 1.25 per cent due to low demand and surplus supply.
Education services increased 1.11 per cent, transportation 1.08 per cent and medical services 0.48 per cent.
Presently, the Consumer Price Index covers 11 commodities: food; restaurant services; beverages; textiles; medical services; transportation; post and telecommunications; education; electricity; and construction materials.
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