It marked the lowest reading since December 2018. Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages dropped 4.8% annually in February.

Clothing and footwear charges were 5.8% more expensive in February, slightly below the 5.9% surge in January. Meanwhile, transport charges rose at a faster pace of 1.1% versus a 0.4% increase a month ago.

On a monthly comparison basis, consumer prices moved up 0.3% in February, versus an expected increase of 0.4%.