According to the office, the prices of three out of 11 goods groups saw a month-on-month decline, with the largest fall of 1.13% seen in food and catering services.

The prices of foodstuff reduced by 1.61%, while that of restaurant services decreased by 0.63% and food by 0.03%.

A drop of 0.07% was also recorded in the prices of culture, entertainment and tourism services, while the prices of goods and other services fell by 0.01%.

An official of the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office said that in March, goods groups with rising prices include transport (up 0.47%); housing, electricity, water, fuel and construction materials (up 0.93%). 

At the same time, the prices of drinks and cigarette went up 0.13%, while that of garments, hats and footwear upped 0.08%; equipment, household and appliance climbed up 0.2%; and medicine and healthcare services rose 0.04%.

In March, gold price declined 0.73%, while that of US dollar dropped 0.05% month-on-month.