MEDIA RELEASE
26 April 2017	Embargoed: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	46/2017

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5 per cent in the March quarter 2017, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.

This follows a rise of 0.5 per cent in the December quarter 2016.

The most significant price rises this quarter are automotive fuel (+5.7 per cent), medical and hospital services (+1.6 per cent) and new dwelling purchase by owner-occupiers (+1.0 per cent). These rises are partially offset by falls in Furnishings, household equipment and services (-1.0 per cent) and Recreation and culture (-0.7 per cent).

The CPI rose 2.1 per cent through the year to March quarter 2017.

Vegetable prices have risen 13.1 per cent through the year to March quarter 2017. Adverse weather conditions in major growing areas over previous periods continue to impact supply for particular vegetables (potatoes, salad vegetables, cabbages and cauliflower). Offsetting these rises are price falls for capsicums and broccoli.

Further information is available in Consumer Price Index, Australia (cat. no. 6401.0) available from the ABS website: https://abs.gov.au

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