Inflation, as measured by the change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) (2013=100), compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics, increased to 2.2 per cent in March 2016 from 1.7 per cent in February 2016, on year-on-year basis. The main contributor towards the increase in year-on-year inflation was the Non-food category. Prices in Miscellaneous Goods and Services (Car insurance); Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco; Transport; and Clothing and Footwear sub categories were the main contributors towards the year-on-year increase.

The change in the NCPI measured on an annual average basis decreased to 2.4 per cent in March 2016 from 2.6 per cent recorded in February 2016.

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for discussion and decision.