March 2019, Medan Inflation 0.32 Percent

·     In March 2019, all CPI cities in Sumatera Utara experienced inflation, namely Sibolga 0.24 percent; Pematangsiantar 0.27 percent; Medan 0.32 percent; and Padangsidimpuan 0.25 percent. Thus, the combined inflation rate of 4 CPI cities in Sumatera Utara in March was 0.30 percent.

·       In March 2019, Medan inflation rate was 0.32 percent or an increase in index from 138.42 in February 2019 to 138.86 in March 2019. Inflation occurred due to an increase in prices as indicated by an increase in the index of four expenditure groups, namely foodstuff group by 1.67 percent; prepared food, beverages, cigarettes and tobacco group by 0.03 percent; clothing group by 0.41 percent; and the health group by 0.67 percent. Meanwhile, the group experiencing a decline in index, namely the housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel group by 0.02 percent; the education, recreation and sports group by 0.01 percent; and the transportation, communication and financial services group by 0.61 percent.

·       The main commodities contributing to inflation during March 2019 in Medan include red chili, shallots, men's collared shirts, toothpaste, garlic, chicken, and oranges.

·       Of the 23 CPI cities in Sumatera, 16 cities recorded inflation. The highest inflation occurred in Meulaboh at 0.39 percent with CPI of 133.86 and the lowest was in Dumai at 0.07 percent with CPI of 135.92.