year, inflation figures released yesterday by the Ministry of Finance showed.

But between February and March the average cost of a carton of cigarettes dropped almost ten percent, and fuel and power costs also dropped slightly.

Overall Bermuda's annual rate of inflation remained steady at 1.9 percent during March, reflecting how much the cost of the all-items index has risen since March 1998.

And the consumer price index which measures rises and dips for the cost of an average household basket of goods and services did not increase from February to March this year.

The tobacco and liquor sector posted the largest monthly change -- dropping 2.7 percent on the back of a drop in tobacco prices.

The study found the average cost per carton of cigarettes fell a massive 9.8 percent from February to March.

Fuel and power expenses also dropped -- down 3.4 percent for the 12 months to March 1999 and 0.6 percent for the month due to a 14.2 percent decline in the fuel adjustment clause.

While households paid a little less for electricity than the previous month, expenditure for a cylinder of gas increased at the same rate of 0.8 percent.

Health and personal care costs rose 5.3 percent in the twelve months to March, while solely in March prices on personal care items rose 1.9 percent and vital prescribed drugs went up 1.8 percent.

The average price in the clothing and footwear sector increased 0.6 percent in March as retailers introduced new stock for the spring and summer seasons.

Average prices for men and children's clothing were up half a percent in March while women's apparel jumped 1.8 percent.

The index for rental properties edged up 0.2 percent month over month but for the past 12 months the index showed average rental prices increased by almost 2 percent.

Food, education, recreation and reading sectors all reported fractional increases of 0.1 percent for the month of March.

Within the shopping trolley consumers might have noticed handing over more cash for lettuces in March as the leafy vegetable became 6.8 percent more expensive during the single month.

The cost of pork also rocketed up 5.4 percent, price-tags on fresh pairs were hiked 4.7 percent, peanut butter went up 3.5 percent and both raisins and mayonnaise became significantly more expensive.

Averages prices for household goods, services, supplies, transport and vehicles remained stable, showing no change from the previous month.

BUSINESS BUC