The Consumer Price Index increased by 1.0 percent compared to the previous month in March 2019, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 3.7 percent, - the Georgian National Statistics Office, Geostat, said on April 3.

According to Geostat, the annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups: Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices within the group increased by 4.8 percent, contributing 1.5 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. Within the group the prices were higher for the following subgroups: vegetables (19.8 percent), fish (12.9 percent), bread and cereals (10.9 percent), meat (4.2 percent), also mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (3.5 percent). Meanwhile, the prices decreased for fruit and grapes (-23.3 percent).

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: the prices increased by 20.8 percent, with a relevant contribution of 1.36 percentage points to the overall annual CPI growth. The prices increased for tobacco (43.7 percent).

Recreation and culture: the prices went up by 6.7 percent, contributing 0.38 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices in the group increased for recreational and cultural services (7.1 percent). Meanwhile, the prices decreased for audio-visual, photographic and information processing equipment (-5.0 percent).

Health: the prices increased by 3.6 percent, which resulted in a 0.3 percentage point contribution to the overall annual inflation rate. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: out-patient services (3.8 percent), medical products, appliances and equipment (5.6 percent) and hospital services (1.4 percent).