The foodstuffs and fruits and vegetables articles alone are
expected to contribute about two-thirds of the increase in
the inflation rate.
The Consumer Price Index rose 1.2-1.3% in March according
to estimates by the economic ministries before the official
publication by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Monday.
This will be the highest monthly inflation rate in 16
months, since November 1994.
Increases in the prices of fruits and vegetables, due to
the effects of the curfew on the territories, and increases
in foodstuffs and housing prices, contributed to the steep
increase in the March CPI. The foodstuffs and fruits and
vegetables articles alone are expected to contribute about
two-thirds of the increase in the inflation rate.
The annual inflation rate will increase, if the forecasts
of the March CPI are realized, to 12.5%, compared to an
inflation goal of 8-10%