Brasília, March 10, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Inflation in São Paulo, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (IPC), calculated by the Institute of Economic Research Foundation (Fipe) of the University of São Paulo, surged to 0.25% in the first preliminary estimate in March. In the previous preliminary estimate, the IPC was up 0.19%, and in the first four-week period in February, 0.46%.

The items Transportation and Clothing registered deflation of 0.09% and 0.85%, respectively. The greatest price increase was detected in the Health group, 75%, followed by Personal Expenses (0.47%), Food (0.35%), Housing (0.34%), and Education (0.23%). (DAS)