Consumers Price Index: March 2009 quarter

In the March 2009 quarter compared with the December 2008 quarter:

• The Consumers Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3 percent.
• Food prices rose 1.2 percent, with the main contribution coming from higher prices for grocery food.
• Alcoholic beverage and tobacco prices rose 1.8 percent, driven by higher prices for cigarettes.
• Transport prices fell 1.5 percent, due mainly to lower prices for international air transport.

From the March 2008 quarter to the March 2009 quarter:

• The CPI increased 3.0 percent.