New Zealand's consumer prices rose by 0.7 percent in the first three months of the year, pushingannual inflation further above the Reserve Bank's target band.
Statistics New Zealand said on Tuesday that inflation for the 12 months to March stood at 3.4 percent, up from 3.2 percent.
The consumer price index was pushed up by food prices, which made up almost a fifth of the index.
They rose 1.8 percent for the quarter, mainly because of higher fruit and vegetable prices.
Fuel costs were also a factor, recording a 4 percent rise during the quarter.
For the year to March, food prices rose 6 percent and fuel rose 20.5 percent.
The Reserve Bank will make its next decision on the Official Cash Rate on April 24.
Some economists said the prospect of a cut in the Official Cash Rate was now higher, but others insisted that while the CPI was above the target band, it was too early for the Reserve Bank to relax.
Source:Xinhua
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