Highlights
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The overall year to year general inflation rate increased by 8.8%; food inflation by 6.1% and non-food by 11.8% in March 2014. Since November 2013, month-to-month food inflation rate increases was below zero but in March 2014 increased by 2.4%.
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The import parity prices of maize (Durban) and wheat (Black sea) remained stable with upward changes of 4% for maize and 2% downward for wheat as compared to February 2014. The import parity price stood higher than the local wholesale price by about 73% for maize while 6% below the local wheat price at Addis Ababa.
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In March 2014, the prices of these cereals have remained almost synonymous compared to the preceding month. In all of monitored markets, the prices change were below 5% as compared to February 2014. The prevailing price stability is normal to the season and signifies better access for market dependent households.
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The retail prices of imported food items (rice, spaghetti and wheat flour) remained stable in Afar while rose at Deghabour and Kebridehar. The retail price of rice rose by 14% and 21% respectively at Kebridehar and Deghabour markets; sugar price increased by 13% at Kebridehar; spaghetti by 8% at Kebridehar and Deghabour.