Final demand prices moved up by 0.6 per cent in February and by 0.4 per cent in January.

On an unadjusted basis, the index for final demand increased by 2.1 per cent for the 12 months to March this year, the largest advance since rising by 2.3 per cent for the 12 months to April 2023.

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The March 2024 increase in the index is attributed to a 0.3-per cent rise in prices for final demand in services. In contrast, the index for final demand goods edged down by 0.1 per cent.

The index for final demand less food, energy and trade services moved up by 0.2 per cent in March after rising by 0.3 per cent in February. For the 12 months to March, prices for final demand less foods, energy and trade services increased by 2.8 per cent.

Prices for final demand for goods decreased by 0.1 per cent in March after rising by 1.2 per cent in February. The decline is attributed to the index for final demand energy, which moved down by 1.6 per cent.

In contrast, prices for final demand foods and for final demand goods less food and energy advanced by 0.8 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively.

Leading the March decline in the index for final demand goods, prices for gasoline decreased by 3.6 per cent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)