(Fills story)
LIMA, April 1 (Reuters) - Peruvian consumer price
inflation based on the metropolitan region of the capital Lima
accelerated 1.25% in March, according to data published Saturday
by national statistics agency INEI, higher than a median
forecast of 1.00% from a Reuters poll of five economists.
In comparison, Peru's consumer prices rose 0.29% in
February.
Peru's consumer prices rose more than expected in March amid
political unrest, though the 12-month rate slowed to 8.40% -
down from 8.65% through the end of February - as the Andean
nation battles the highest inflation levels in a quarter of a
century.
Inflation from the Lima metropolitan area is seen as the
national benchmark. Inflation from across the country
accelerated 1.19% in March, according to INEI.
Inflation in the Lima metropolitan region was most strongly
affected by education, where it grew 4.79%, and food and
non-alcoholic beverages, where it increased by 2.79%, the agency
said.
Transport costs fell by 0.12% in March, INEI added.
Peru, the world's No. 2 copper producer, has seen months of
political turmoil since December, with anti-government protests
blocking roads and clashes with security forces leading to the
deaths of dozens of people.
Just over a week ago, central bank president Julio Velarde
said he expects annual inflation to ease to a rate of 3.0% by
December, within the bank's target range.
The central bank held its benchmark interest rate at 7.75%
during a meeting near the start of March but warned the decision
to hold the cost of money stable did not mean hikes to the rate
had ended.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Additional reporting and writing by
Oliver Griffin; Editing by Paul Simao and Jonathan Oatis)
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