Tanzania Annual Inflation Increase to 3.1% in March 2019

The National Bureau of Statistics of Tanzania (NBS) indicates that the Annual Headline Inflation Rate for March 2019 has increased to 3.1% from 3.0% recorded in February 2019. 

The overall index went up to 116.23 in March 2019 from 112.70 recorded in March 2018.

Food and Non-Food Inflation Rates
Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Inflation Rate for the month of March 2019 has decreased to 0.1% from 0.5% recorded in February 2019.

Annual Inflation Rate for food consumed at home and away from home for the month of March 2019 has decreased to 2.0% from 2.3% recorded in February 2019.

Moreover, the 12-month index change for non-food products in March 2019 has increased to 5.7% from 5.1% recorded in February 2019.

Inflation Rate Excluding Food and Energy
The Annual Inflation Rate which excludes food and energy for the month of March 2019 has increased to 3.7% from 3.1% recorded in February 2019.

Monthly Headline Inflation Rate

The Consumer Price Index from February 2019 to March 2019 has increased by 1.4% compared to an increase of 1.1% recorded from January 2019 to February 2019.

The overall index has increased to 116.23 in March 2019 from 114.63 recorded in February 2019.

The increase in the overall index is attributed to the price increase for both food and non-food items.

Some food items that contributed to such an increase include; rice by 0.7%, white maize grains by 0.5%, maize flour by 3.4%, fresh fish by 0.7%, fresh cow milk by 1.4%, coconut by 5.8%, vegetables by 3.4%, soya beans by 2.3%, dry peas by 4.0%, cassava fresh by 3.6%, sweet potatoes by 2.8%, dry cassava by 1.4%, cocoyam by 5.5% and cooking bananas by 3.3%.

On the other hand, Non-food items that contributed to such an increase include; clothing and footwear by 0.2%, actual rentals paid by tenants per month by 1.8%, charcoal by 5.6%, firewood by 3.7%, furniture and furnishings by 0.8%, and accommodation services from hotels by 0.8%.