The consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.1 percent last month from a year ago, according to data released by Statistics Korea on Wednesday. The figure represents a slight rise from February's 2 percent lift.
This marks the third month in a row for the annual CPI increase to remain in the 2 percent range.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, came in at 1.9 percent in March, compared to 1.8 percent a month prior.
The cost of living index, which tracks changes in the prices of 144 frequently purchased consumer goods and services, rose 2.4 percent, a deceleration from the previous month’s 2.6 percent.
![Cass beer packs are shown by customers shopping at a wholesale store in Seoul on March 30. [NEWS1]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12481428.webp?imageId=12481428&width=960&height=580&format=jpg)
