It was the lowest reading since January 2022, as price growth slowed for manufacturing (11.2% vs 12.9% in February).

On the other hand, costs increased further for electricity, gas, steam & air-conditioning supply (59.9% vs 58.1%), water supply (10.1% vs 8.5%) and mining & quarrying (20.7% vs 20.4%).

On a monthly comparison basis, producer prices were unchanged following a 1.5 rise in February.