SANTIAGO, April 8 (Reuters) - Consumer prices in Chile rose 0.5% in March from the previous month, data from statistics agency INE showed on Tuesday, in line with market expectations in a Reuters poll of economists.

Annual inflation in the world's largest copper producer hit 4.9%, INE added, accelerating from the 4.7% registered the previous month and above the central bank's 2% to 4% target range.

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The rise was led by the higher cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages as well education, the report said, adding that 9 of the 13 sectors surveys showed an increase in prices.

Transportation though, registered a notable decrease in prices, aided by a drop in fuel prices for personal vehicles as well as bus fares.

The numbers came a day after the central bank released its meeting minutes for its March decision to hold the interest rate steady at 5%. In its statement, the bank said that holding the rate steady was the only option due to global uncertainty and the "significant risks facing the inflationary outlook".

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chiles-inflation-picks-back-up-march-led-by-food-education-2025-04-08/