The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in March decreased by 0.72% against the previous month, the lowest figure recorded during 2016-2020 period, according to the General Statistics Office.

CPI in March and the first quarter between 2016-2020

Due to COVID-19 outbreak, seven among 11 commodity basket saw decreases in prices in comparison with the previous month, including transport (-4.87%), culture, entertainment and tourism (-1.4%), restaurants and food services (-0.43%) and housing and building material (-0.25%).

Prices of garments, hats and footwear, beverage and tobacco and telecommunications also respectively decreased by 0.15%, 0.11% and 0.06%.

Meanwhile, prices of household equipment rose 0.09%, medicine and health service up 0.05%, education up 0.04% and other services up 0.16%.

The CPI in the first quarter of the year rose 5.56% against the same period last year, reported the General Statistics Office./.