In March, consumer prices stabilized compared to the previous month, according to the new index published by the Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (ISEE). Regarding energy, the cost of fuel increased by 3.7%.
After a drop in consumer prices of 1% in February, the amounts remained stable in March. This is the first finding of the Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (ISEE), in its monthly analysis on New Caledonia. A strong increase was observed for energy (1.9%), following six months of decline. These figures should be put into perspective because over the last 12 months, prices have risen by 3%.
Manufactured goods down 2%
Almost the entire sector is affected by a decrease in prices in one month. Clothing and footwear are sold at a lower price (-8.4%), furniture also (-8.6%). The biggest drop was recorded in games and toys (-9%). Lovers of jewellery, jewelery and watches might indulge themselves, with prices falling by 8% in this sector.
Vegetables at a lower price
Regarding food as a whole, the ISEE reports stable figures. Vegetable prices are down 1.8% thanks to the revival of agricultural activities and despite unfavorable weather conditions in recent months. This decrease mainly concerns onions, carrots, green cabbage, potatoes and salad. Same observation for fruits (-3.4%) and meats (-1.8%). On the other hand, the amounts of oils and fats climb (+3.8%), such as sugar, jams, chocolate, confectionery, and frozen products (+2.1%). Alcohol increases by 2.1%.
This is one of the sectors most marked by increases in March: energy. Prices climbed 1.9% in one month. Fuel remains above all the most impacted (+3.7%). In detail, diesel increased by 2.2% and gasoline by 4.2%. As regards electricity, gas and coal, the amounts have not changed.
Service prices are up 0.3%. This situation is linked to the slight rise in prices for international passenger air transport (+1.2%). Key figure: the amount of household waste collection, up 6.5%. Thanks to the return of the low season, accommodation services lower their prices by 1%.
