Italy's annual inflation rate climbed to 1.9% in March, up from 1.6% in February, Istat on Wednesday. That was slightly lower than the figure of 2% the national statistics agency had given in its preliminary estimate. The rise was mainly due to increases in the prices of non-regulated energy products, which went from -1.9% to +0.7%, tobacco, unprocessed food, communication services, recreation services and durable goods. Istat said its consumer price index was up 0.3% in month-on-month terms, having reported a 0.4% increase in its preliminary estimates. It said that its trolley index of the prices of food, household goods and home and personal care items was 2.1% higher than in March 2024, up from 2.0% in February. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA