HCM City’s CPI falls 0.09 percent in March hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – The consumer price index (CPI) of Ho Chi Minh City in March fell 0.09 percent from the previous month, but rose 5.6 percent compared to the same period last year, reported the municipal Statistics Office on March 30.

According to the office, the prices of three out of 11 goods groups saw a month-on-month decline, with the largest fall of 1.13 percent seen in food and catering services.

The prices of foodstuff reduced by 1.61 percent, while that of restaurant services decreased by 0.63 percent and food by 0.03 percent.

A drop of 0.07 percent was also recorded in the prices of culture, entertainment and tourism services, while the prices of goods and other services fell by 0.01 percent.

An official of the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office said that in March, goods groups with rising prices include transport (up 0.47 percent); housing, electricity, water, fuel and construction materials (up 0.93 percent).

At the same time, the prices of drinks and cigarette went up 0.13 percent, while that of garments, hats and footwear upped 0.08 percent; equipment, household and appliance climbed up 0.2 percent; and medicine and healthcare services rose 0.04 percent.

In March, gold price declined 0.73 percent, while that of US dollar dropped 0.05 percent month-on-month.-VNA
VNA