The harmonised index of consumer prices rose by 1.1 per cent in March over February, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

The rise primarily reflected an increase of 6.1 per cent in the clothing and footwear index because of more expensive garments.

The restaurants and hotels index went up by 3.3 per cent, brought about by a seasonal price rise in accommodation services.

The food and non-alcoholic beverages index went up by 0.9 per cent, mainly on account of higher prices for fish, vegetables, bread and cereals.

An increase of 0.6 per cent was recorded in the recreation and culture index because of more expensive package tours.

A higher cost of visual aid apparatus was the main factor underlying an upward movement of 0.3 per cent in the health index.

Likewise, price rises in wines and beers brought about an increase of 0.1 per cent in the alcoholic beverages and tobacco index.

Lower air fares caused the transport index to fall by 0.2 per cent.

The miscellaneous goods and services index slipped by 0.1 per cent, mainly on account of lower prices for personal care products.

Last month the 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 1.5 per cent whereas the annual rate stood at 4.3 per cent.