Vietnam’s consumer price index is estimated to have risen 0.17 per cent on month in March, lower than 1.17 per cent in February, as the domestic demand is slowing, the government’s General Statistic Office said Tuesday.
Inflation in March continued softening to 11.25 per cent, down from 14.78 per cent in February, however, it was still up 14.47 per cent in the first quarter this year, the GSO said.
Food and food services prices are expected to have been down 0.46 per cent on month, but still up 17.05 per cent on year. Rice is expected to have surged 1.27 per cent on month and up 23.99 per cent on year while foodstuff down 1.55 per cent on month and up 12.67 per cent on year.
Housing and construction materials costs are estimated to have increased 0.3 per cent on month and up 3.11 per cent on year.
Transportation costs have been down 0.55 per cent on month and down 4.77 per cent on year as the country cut retailing prices of kerosene twice since the start of the year.
Apparels, footwear and hat have soared 0.19 per cent on month and risen 11.17 per cent on year. Drinks and tobacco are estimated to have increased 0.35 per cent on month and 11.68 per cent on year. Medicines have been up 0.29 per cent on month and 8.63 per cent on year.
Cultural, sports and recreation services are estimated to have been down 0.12 per cent on month but up 7.93 per cent on year. Domestic appliances prices have been up 0.34 per cent on month and 11.08 per cent on year.
The government usually issues CPI figures based on estimates before the end of the reporting period.
In Vietnam, gold prices are estimated to have risen 5.44 per cent on month and 4.21 per cent on year while the U.S. dollar is estimate to have strengthened against Vietnam dong 0.19 per cent on month and up 11.16 per cent on year.
In urban areas in Vietnam, CPI is estimated to have dropped 0.07 per cent on month and 11.81 per cent on year while CPI in rural regions was down 0.27 per cent on month and 10.82 per cent on year. (GSO March 2009)
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