The reported figure was the highest since September 2019. Annual inflation reached 42.6 percent in March. Prices have now risen 12.4 percent in the first quarter

The monthly figure outpaced the expectations of specialists. Economists consulted by Bloomberg had forecast a median 4.2 percent. Other private estimates had put the figure between 3.6 and 4.1 percent, following high rates in January (4 percent) and February (3.6%).

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