Rio, March 11, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Inflation measured by the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) rose 0.61% in February, which was less than January's 0.76% increase. Monthly school fees were the main culprit, rising 8.11% and causing a 0.31% impact on the overall index. The IPCA, which was released today, in Rio de Janeiro, by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, is used by the government to determine its inflation targets.

The increase in inflation was also influenced by bills for fixed telephones, for which the rate for calls made to mobile sets went up 7%, and cigarette prices, which rose 2.03%. New and used car prices rose 1.56% and 1.39%, respectively.

The food and beverage group rose 0.15%, well below the 0.88% rate registered in January, when heavy rains damaged crops, raising prices. (DAS)