Brazil consumer prices rise by lowest since Sep-2010; airfares surge

IBGE, Brazil's national statistics agency, stated (23-Mar-2011) consumer prices, measured by the Extended Consumer Price Index-15 (IPCA-15) increase 0.60% in Mar-2011 for the lowest mid-month reading since Sep-2010. The Special Extended Consumer Price Index (IPCA-E), which is IPCA-15 accumulated in the last three months, recorded a change of 2.35% in the first quarter of the year, being above the result for the same period in 2010 (2.02%). Considering the last 12 months, the index was 6.13%, above that in the immediately previous 12 months (6.08%). In Mar-2010, the rate was 0.55%. The cost of airfares surged 29% in the month.