HIGH transport, food and housing costs kept inflation at 5 per cent last month, compared to March last year.
Last months figure was in line with most economists expectations.
It also appeared to vindicate the decision by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) this month to allow the currency to appreciate, a move that will make imports cheaper.
For the whole of the first quarter, the consumer price index increased 5.2 per cent compared with the same period last year, said the Department of Statistics yesterday.
Prices in March rose just 0.1 per cent compared with the previous month.
Housing costs were up 0.6 per cent from February to March, thanks to higher accommodation costs.
joannel@sph.com.sg
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Tags: Monetary
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