MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US consumer inflation in March rose 0.4%

Rising energy and clothing costs pushed March's United States consumer prices index 0.4%.

Prices excluding the core measure of inflation, food and energy, rose 0.3% in March, a bigger jump than experts had expected.

On an annual basis, consumer prices rose 3.4% in March, slightly down from the 3.6% increase recorded the month before.

However, the annual rise in core inflation remained the same at 2.1%.

Energy prices were the main driving force behind the price increases, rising 1.3% in March after a 1.2% dip in February.

World oil prices have risen to record levels of more than 72 US dollars a barrel as the situation in Iraq and oil-rich Iran's dispute with the international community over its nuclear intentions has worsened.

Figures released earlier this month showed that wholesale prices rose 0.5% last month, their fastest rise so far this year

Experts have warned that US inflation is expected to remain strong in coming months given the holiday season and the world oil supply situation.