German Inflation Levels Out in March

Consumer prices in Germany rose 1.8 percent in March compared to March 2004, the same rhythm as for the month of February, according to preliminary data released on Thursday. The figures, compiled by the federal statistical office Destatis, also showed that consumer prices in the eurozone's biggest economy increased 0.3 percent in March from February. The rise was slightly higher than forecast by analysts. Destatis, which bases its data on consumer prices recorded in six of Germany's 16 federal states, said that rises in the prices of energy and mineral oil products had weighed heavily on the figures. The final results for March 2005 are to be released in mid-April.