Consumer prices rose 0.5pc month-on-month in March, slowing from a 1.0pc increase in February. Seasonally-adjusted core inflation was 0.2pc in a month-on-month comparison, unchanged from February. In a twelve-month comparison, core inflation dropped to 3.1pc from 3.3pc. Clothing prices increased 2.4pc month-on-month as the new summer lines were introduced. Food prices rose 0.7pc, over the headline figure, because of higher seasonal food prices. Excluding these prices, food prices rose just 0.1pc. A 1.1pc rise in tobacco prices – tobacco carries a 3.1pc weight in the consumer basket – also contributed to March inflation. Household energy prices were flat, but vehicle fuel prices rose 0.4pc, under the headline figure. Despite a further 2pc weakening of the forint, prices for durable consumer goods fell 1.0pc as new car prices dropped 2.8pc. Prices of refrigerators and freezers, audio and video appliances and cameras also fell. Service prices rose 0.5pc, in line with the headline figure.